Iran would target U.S. military bases across the Middle East if American forces launch an attack, though such action should not be viewed as aggression toward host nations, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Saturday, Feb. 7, according to Reuters.
Speaking to Qatar’s Al Jazeera television, Araqchi addressed rising tensions a day after Tehran and Washington agreed to continue indirect nuclear talks following discussions in Oman that both sides described as constructive. While no date has been fixed for the next round, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated negotiations could resume as early as next week. Araqchi said both sides believe talks should proceed soon.
Tensions have escalated after Trump threatened possible military action following a U.S. naval buildup in the region. Washington is demanding Iran abandon uranium enrichment — which it sees as a potential route to nuclear weapons — and halt ballistic missile development as well as support for armed groups in the region. Tehran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons.
Although both governments have signaled openness to diplomacy over Iran’s long-running nuclear dispute with Western powers, Araqchi rejected broadening negotiations beyond the nuclear issue. Dialogue, he said, requires an end to threats and pressure, adding that Tehran will discuss only its nuclear program with Washington.
The backdrop includes last June’s U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, carried out during the final phase of a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign. Tehran later announced it had halted uranium enrichment activities. In response to those attacks, Iran launched missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar, a country maintaining relations with both Tehran and Washington.
Araqchi warned that a similar response could follow any new U.S. attack. Iran, he said, would not strike neighboring countries but would target American bases located within them, underscoring what he described as a clear distinction.
Iran continues to seek international recognition of its right to enrich uranium, arguing that placing its missile program on the negotiating table would leave the country exposed to potential Israeli military action.
