Iran’s armed forces warn Gulf countries against assisting US military

Iran's armed forces issued a stern warning to neighboring Gulf countries on Wednesday, asserting that any assistance or facilitation provided to the US military would be interpreted as direct participation in American military operations. The warning, conveyed by armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi, comes amid heightened tensions following recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran on US bases.

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We wish to warn that any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation.

Abdollahi suggested that the presence of numerous US military aircraft, including refueling planes, at regional bases would be impossible without the host countries' knowledge. He specifically addressed nations bordering the Persian Gulf, stating that Iran is "fully aware of the situation" despite their public assurances against allowing US forces to operate against Iran from their territories.

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It seems unlikely that such a large number of military aircraft, particularly refuelling aircraft could be present at regional bases without knowledge of host countries.

The statement coincides with the redeployment of the USS George Washington aircraft carrier to the Middle East, intended to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln. Reports indicate concerns about deteriorating living conditions for the crew of the departing carrier.

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The countries bordering the Persian Gulf, which have issued various statements saying they would not allow the United States to use their territory against Iran, should know that we are fully aware of the situation.