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🇮🇹 Italy /Conflict & Security

Iran Plans to Strike U.S. Military Bases in Europe in Case of Escalation

From ANSA · () Italian

Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Iran has threatened to strike U.S. military bases in Europe if Washington resumes attacks, as a ceasefire agreement has expired.
  • NATO has responded by stating its readiness to defend all allies, while Bulgaria and Cyprus have increased security measures around U.S. military facilities.
  • The conflict also involves threats to undersea fiber optic cables and warnings to Gulf countries against assisting U.S. forces.

Iran has escalated its threats against the United States and its allies, warning it could strike U.S. military bases in Europe should Washington resume attacks. This comes as a ceasefire memorandum between the U.S. and Iran, signed in June, has formally expired, leaving a stalemate in the ongoing conflict.

NATO is ready to face any threat and will always do everything necessary to defend all Allies.

— NATO officialThe North Atlantic Treaty Organization's immediate reaction to Iran's new threat against U.S. military facilities in Europe.

According to the Financial Times, Iran has considered expanding its operational range to target U.S. military objectives in southern and southeastern Europe. NATO has responded swiftly, with an alliance official stating, "NATO is ready to face any threat and will always do everything necessary to defend all Allies." The alliance also highlighted its successful deterrence capabilities, referencing past interceptions of ballistic missiles aimed at Turkey.

As demonstrated earlier this year, when NATO air defenses successfully intercepted, on four distinct occasions, ballistic missiles directed at Turkey from Iran, our deterrence and defense capability is solid and effective.

— NATO officialA NATO official assured the alliance's robust defense capabilities in response to Iran's escalating threats.

In response to the heightened tensions, Bulgaria, which recently authorized the use of the Bezmer air base for U.S. military refueling aircraft, has strengthened security measures. Cyprus, hosting a British base previously targeted by a drone in March, is also on alert. The Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev confirmed enhanced coordination with the Ministry of Defense.

We are working in close coordination with the Ministry of Defense.

— Ivan DemerdzhievBulgaria's Interior Minister confirmed enhanced security measures and coordination following Iran's threats.

Beyond potential European targets, Iran has also threatened undersea fiber optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, Iran has issued stern warnings to Gulf nations, declaring that any assistance provided to the U.S. military would be considered participation in military operations. This warning comes amid reports of U.S. military aircraft, particularly refueling planes, being present in regional bases, which Iran suggests cannot go unnoticed by host countries.

We want to warn you: any assistance or facilitation provided to the American aggressor army is equivalent to participation in military operations.

— Ali AbdollahiThe Iranian Chief of Staff issued a warning to Gulf countries regarding their support for U.S. military forces.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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