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Iran has warned the United States, United Kingdom, and France that their military bases and naval assets in the Middle East will be targeted if they assist Israel in defending against ongoing Iranian missile strikes.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, the United States maintains the most extensive military footprint in the Middle East, operating over 19 permanent and temporary military bases across countries like Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, and Syria. The closest US bases to Iran include Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Naval Support Activity Bahrain, and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, all strategically positioned within striking range of Iran. The United Kingdom has a smaller but significant presence, with its primary base being HMS Juffair in Bahrain, which houses the Royal Navy’s regional command, and access to facilities in Oman. The closest UK assets to Iran are similarly based in Bahrain and Oman. France maintains a more limited but symbolic footprint, with Base Aérienne 104 Al Dhafra in the UAE being its main operational hub, shared with US forces and located within 300 miles of Iran’s southern coast. These forward-deployed positions place all three countries well within range of Iranian missiles, underscoring the heightened risk of direct confrontation.
What’s going on now: In a notable development, Iranian state-controlled media warned that any country aiding Israel in defending against Iranian missile strikes (specifically the United States, United Kingdom, and France) would face direct military retaliation. The warning, delivered on Saturday, stated that “any country that participates in repelling Iranian attacks on Israel will be subject to the targeting of all regional bases of the collaborating state, including military bases in the Persian Gulf states and naval vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.”
The warning came as US officials confirmed to various outlets that American forces played a role in intercepting Iranian missiles aimed at Israeli cities. In response to the heightened threat, the United Kingdom has moved additional fighter jets into the region to provide “contingency support,” while the United States has begun repositioning forces throughout the Gulf.
Trump reacts: In a late night post on Truth Social, Trump appeared to respond to Iran’s warning, saying, “The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight. If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before. However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!”
