Iran would retaliate by striking U.S. military bases across the Middle East if it comes under attack by American forces, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday (7 January), stressing that such action should not be seen as targeting the countries hosting those bases.
Araghchi made the remarks a day after Iran and the United States agreed to continue indirect nuclear talks following what both sides described as constructive discussions in Oman.
He said no date had yet been set for the next round, although U.S. President Donald Trump suggested talks could take place early next week.
The comments come amid a heightened U.S. military presence in the region, including naval and air deployments, and renewed pressure from Washington for Tehran to halt uranium enrichment, curb ballistic missile development and end support for regional armed groups.
Iran has repeatedly rejected those demands, saying negotiations must remain limited to its nuclear programme.
Araghchi said Iran would not negotiate under threats or military pressure, warning that any new U.S. attack would be met with retaliation.
He pointed to last year’s escalation, when Iran launched missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar after American and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, including nuclear-related facilities. Tehran said at the time it had sought to avoid civilian casualties and regional escalation.
Tensions remain high across the Middle East as regional allies of Iran, including armed groups in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, continue to clash with U.S. and Israeli forces, raising concerns that any direct confrontation between Washington and Tehran could rapidly widen into a broader conflict.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and says recognition of its right to enrich uranium under international oversight is a core condition for any agreement, insisting its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes only.
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