Iran Threatens to Target U.S. Military Bases if Attacked Amid Ongoing Nuclear Talks
TEHRAN — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning on February 7, 2026, declaring that Tehran would target U.S. military bases in the Middle East if American forces launch an attack. The statement comes amid ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, which Araghchi described as having made a “good start” during talks held recently in Oman.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi clarified that while Iran would not strike American soil directly, it would retaliate against U.S. bases stationed in neighboring countries. “It would not be possible to attack American soil, but we will target their bases in the region,” he said, emphasizing a distinction between attacking U.S. territory and military installations abroad. “We will not attack neighboring countries; rather, we will target U.S. bases stationed in them. There is a big difference between the two.”
This development escalates tensions in a region already fraught with volatility. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence across the Middle East, including bases in countries such as Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain, which serve as strategic hubs for American operations. The Department of Defense regularly updates information on these deployments, underscoring their importance to U.S. regional security interests (Department of Defense).
The warning from Tehran arrives just days after Araghchi expressed cautious optimism about the indirect nuclear talks with Washington, describing them as a “good start” and noting a consensus to continue negotiations. These talks, held in Oman, aim to revive elements of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the U.S. withdrew from in 2018. The JCPOA originally sought to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
While diplomatic efforts continue, the risk of military confrontation remains high. The U.S. has recently positioned aircraft carriers and strike platforms across the Middle East to deter aggression and reassure allies, according to official military sources (U.S. Navy). Such deployments underscore the delicate balance Washington seeks to maintain between diplomacy and defense.
Iran’s threat to target U.S. bases also highlights the complex geopolitical landscape involving multiple regional actors. Neighboring countries hosting American forces may find themselves caught in the crossfire should hostilities escalate. The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor the situation closely, advising American citizens and allies in the region accordingly.
Experts warn that while the nuclear talks offer a pathway to de-escalation, Tehran’s rhetoric signals readiness to respond forcefully to any perceived aggression. This dual approach of negotiation paired with military posturing complicates diplomatic efforts and raises concerns about unintended conflict.
As the international community watches closely, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether dialogue can prevail or if tensions will spiral into confrontation. The stakes remain high not only for the United States and Iran but for the broader stability of the Middle East and global security.
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