Tehran has cautioned several US-allies in the Middle East that American military installations on their territory would be targeted if Washington launches an attack on Tehran, a senior Iranian official said on Wednesday.
The warning follows comments by President Donald Trump suggesting possible US involvement in Iran’s ongoing unrest, reports Reuters.
Human rights organisations report that fatalities linked to the nationwide protests have surged to nearly 2,600, as Iran’s clerical leadership struggles to contain demonstrations described as among the most serious challenges to the system since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
An Israeli official said assessments in Israel indicate that Trump has decided to intervene, although the scale and timing of any such move remain uncertain.
Speaking anonymously, the Iranian official said Tehran had urged governments allied with Washington to “prevent Washington from attacking Iran.”
The official added, “Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that US bases in those countries will be attacked” if the United States strikes Iran.
According to the same source, direct communication between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has been halted, underscoring rising tensions.
Separately, an Israeli government official said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet was briefed late Tuesday on scenarios including potential US intervention or even regime collapse in Iran, a long-time adversary. Israel and Iran fought a 12-day conflict last year.
CBS News reported Tuesday that Trump warned of “very strong action” should Iranian authorities proceed with executions of protesters. “If they hang them, you’re going to see some things,” he said. He also called on Iranians to continue demonstrations and seize institutions, stating that “help is on the way,” without elaboration.
US military forces are stationed throughout the Middle East, including in Bahrain, where the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is headquartered, and in Qatar, home to Al Udeid Air Base, the forward headquarters of US Central Command. Iran launched missiles at Al Udeid last year in response to US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.
Iran holds contacts with Turkey, UAE, Qatar
Iranian state media reported that Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s top security council, had held talks with Qatar’s foreign minister, while Araghchi spoke separately with officials from the United Arab Emirates and Turkey , all close US partners.
Araghchi told UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed that “calm has prevailed” and that Iranians were resolved to protect their sovereignty and security against foreign interference, according to state media.
Information emerging from Iran has been limited due to a widespread internet shutdown.
The US-based HRANA rights organisation said it has confirmed 2,403 protester deaths and 147 fatalities among government-affiliated individuals. An Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday that the death toll stood at around 2,000.
Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on the United States and Israel, accusing what they describe as terrorists of carrying out attacks on security forces, mosques, and public property.
