Iran Warns Neighbours Hosting U.S. Troops of Retaliation as Tensions Rise Over Possible U.S. Intervention

Iran has issued a stark warning to neighbouring countries hosting United States military forces, saying their territories could become targets if Washington intervenes in Iran amid ongoing protests. The warning, conveyed by a senior Iranian official to Reuters, underscores a sharp escalation in regional tensions as uncertainty grows over potential U.S. action.

According to multiple diplomats, some U.S. personnel have been advised to temporarily leave key military facilities in the Middle East, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which serves as the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Diplomats described the move as a “posture change” rather than a full evacuation, noting that there were no visible signs of a large-scale troop withdrawal similar to the one seen before last year’s Iranian missile strikes.

An Israeli official, citing an internal assessment, said U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to intervene in Iran, though the scope and timing of such action remain unclear. Israeli sources also confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet was briefed on the risks of regime instability in Iran and the possibility of U.S. military involvement. Israel fought a 12-day conflict with Iran last year, with U.S. forces joining toward the end.

The senior Iranian official said Tehran has directly warned countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Qatar that U.S. military bases on their soil would be considered legitimate targets if Washington attacks Iran. Tehran has also urged U.S. allies in the region to restrain Washington and prevent further escalation.

Diplomatic engagement has meanwhile stalled. The Iranian official confirmed that direct contacts between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been suspended, reflecting the deteriorating diplomatic climate. Iranian state media reported that senior Iranian officials, including security chief Ali Larijani, held urgent calls with counterparts in Qatar, the UAE, and Turkey to convey Iran’s position.

Araqchi told UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed that calm currently prevailed inside Iran and that Tehran remained determined to defend its sovereignty against any foreign interference. However, independent verification has been difficult due to an internet blackout inside Iran, which has severely restricted the flow of information.

Key U.S. Military Bases Under Scrutiny

Iran’s warnings have renewed attention on the extensive U.S. military footprint across the Middle East:

• Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar: The largest U.S. base in the region, hosting around 10,000 troops and serving as CENTCOM’s forward headquarters. A new regional air and missile defence coordination cell was established here earlier this year.
• Bahrain: Home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, overseeing operations across the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
• Kuwait: Hosts Camp Arifjan, Ali Al Salem Air Base, and Camp Buehring, key hubs for U.S. Army operations and deployments into Iraq and Syria.
• United Arab Emirates: Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi supports U.S. Air Force missions, including intelligence and reconnaissance operations.
• Saudi Arabia: U.S. forces, including Patriot and THAAD air defence systems, are stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh.
• Iraq: Ain Al Asad Air Base and Erbil Air Base support U.S. and NATO missions; Ain Al Asad was previously targeted by Iranian missiles in 2020.
• Jordan: Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base hosts U.S. air expeditionary forces conducting regional missions.
• Turkey: Incirlik Air Base, jointly operated with Turkey, houses U.S. personnel and nuclear assets and plays a role in regional coalition operations.

Rising Risk of Regional Escalation

With U.S. President Trump publicly encouraging Iranians to continue protesting and declaring that “help is on the way,” Tehran appears determined to raise the costs of any intervention by threatening a broader regional response. Analysts warn that even limited U.S. military action could rapidly widen into a multi-front confrontation, drawing in U.S. allies and destabilizing an already volatile Middle East.

As diplomatic channels narrow and military postures shift, the situation remains highly fluid, with regional capitals bracing for the possibility of further escalation.