(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
ISTANBUL – Iran has warned that US military bases and interests beyond the Middle East could face missile and drone strikes if Washington launches renewed attacks against Tehran.
Iranian Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Amir Kioumars Heydari issued the warning Wednesday during a televised interview with state broadcaster IRIB, claiming that American military installations and strategic assets were within Iran’s striking range.
Heydari said Tehran could retaliate against countries whose territories are used to launch attacks on Iran, including targeting military facilities comparable to those involved in the operations.
He also disclosed that Iranian forces had prepared a list of potential targets extending beyond areas affected by previous fighting, including locations that US and Israeli forces might use in future military operations.
The Iranian official further claimed that Tehran’s military operations had forced American troops to withdraw from the Gulf and pushed US warships hundreds of kilometers away from Iranian territory. These claims have not been independently verified.
Heydari warned that any renewed military offensive against Iran would trigger an immediate and forceful response.
His statements followed similar warnings from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei, who said Tehran could expand its attacks to American military installations in distant locations, including Europe.
Rezaei said Iran could also target islands and military facilities previously considered beyond the reach of its missile capabilities.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington have persisted following the US-Israeli military offensive against Iran that began on February 28.
Efforts to resolve the conflict remain complicated by disagreements over the implementation of a June 18 memorandum of understanding reached in Islamabad.
Key disputes include economic sanctions, the US naval blockade and security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides remaining divided over the conditions for ending hostilities.
