Iran targets US military assets in Europe

Tensions between Iran and the United States could escalate beyond West Asia, with reports indicating that Iran is evaluating potential targets for its military assets in Europe.

According to two sources with close ties to the Iranian government, Iran is considering the possibility of attacking US military assets in several Southeast European countries should Washington initiate further strikes. The Financial Times reported that Iran's military is assessing potential targets in nations such as Bulgaria, which recently permitted the use of the Bezmer air base for US refueling aircraft.

Cyprus, specifically the Greek Cypriot administration, has also been identified as a potential target. This location hosts a British air base that was reportedly targeted by a drone in March. The sources suggest that Iran's military is also examining the feasibility of targeting undersea fiber optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict intensifies.

These potential escalations are reportedly part of several options Iran is preparing to broaden the conflict, which began on February 28 when the US and Israel attacked Tehran, resulting in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The sources stated that if the US "crosses the line," Iran will defend itself "by any means necessary, extending beyond the region and also attacking Europe."

The reports emerge as negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remain at an impasse, and the prospects for new dialogue between Tehran and Washington continue to dim. In response to concerns about potential Iranian attacks, Bulgaria has reportedly enhanced security measures at the Bezmer Air Base.