Iran has issued a fresh warning to the United States, stating that it would strike American military bases across the Middle East if Washington launches an attack, while stressing that it would not target the countries hosting those facilities.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, made the remarks on Saturday during an interview with Qatari news network Al Jazeera. His comments came just a day after Tehran and Washington agreed to continue indirect negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme following what both sides described as constructive talks held in Oman.
Although no official date has been fixed for the next round of discussions, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that further talks could take place as early as next week. Araqchi echoed that sentiment, saying both sides were interested in resuming dialogue soon.
“We and Washington believe the talks should be held in the near future,” the Iranian foreign minister said.
Despite the diplomatic engagement, tensions remain high. President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran and recently ordered the deployment of additional U.S. naval assets to the region. Washington is demanding that Tehran halt uranium enrichment, abandon its ballistic missile programme, and end its support for armed groups operating across the Middle East.
Iran, however, has firmly rejected those demands, insisting it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons and that its nuclear activities are strictly for peaceful purposes.
Iran Restricts Talks to Nuclear Issue
Araqchi made it clear that Iran will not broaden negotiations beyond the nuclear file. According to him, meaningful dialogue can only take place if the United States abandons what he described as intimidation and coercion.
“Any dialogue requires an end to threats and pressure,” Araqchi said. “Iran will only discuss its nuclear issue. We do not negotiate any other matters with the United States.”
He also addressed the possibility of renewed military confrontation, referencing last year’s escalation when U.S. forces joined Israel in a wave of strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites. The bombing campaign, which lasted 12 days, prompted Iran to temporarily halt uranium enrichment activities.
In response at the time, Tehran launched missile strikes on a U.S. military base in Qatar, a country that maintains diplomatic ties with both Iran and the United States.
Araqchi said Iran’s response would follow the same pattern if it were attacked again.
“It would not be possible to strike American territory directly,” he explained. “But we would target U.S. military bases in the region. We would not attack neighbouring countries themselves; rather, we would strike American forces stationed on their soil. There is a clear distinction.”
Reassurance to Gulf States
Analysts say the comments appear aimed at reassuring Gulf Arab states that host U.S. military installations, emphasizing that Iran differentiates between host nations and foreign troops operating within their borders.
Iran continues to insist that it has a legitimate right under international law to enrich uranium for civilian use. Tehran has also warned that including its missile programme in negotiations would weaken its defensive capabilities and leave it exposed to potential Israeli attacks.
The renewed warning comes amid a major show of American military force in the region. U.S. aircraft carriers and warships are currently patrolling waters close to Iran, marking one of the largest concentrations of American naval power in the Middle East in recent years.
With diplomacy and military posturing unfolding simultaneously, the situation remains volatile, as both sides signal openness to talks while preparing for the possibility of escalation.
