Iran threatens US bases in Europe over potential strikes

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, issued a stark warning to the United States and European nations: Iran will act directly against American military bases on European soil if they are used as launch points for strikes against the regime in Tehran.

"Tehran will attack American bases on European soil if American aircraft take off from them to strike Iran," Rezaei declared. The explicit threat heightens concerns in European capitals that a regional confrontation could expand into a broader conflict, placing American bases and military infrastructure on the continent in the line of fire.

Rezaei, appointed to his position jointly by Iranian President and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, is considered one of the most influential figures in Iran's security establishment. He is known for his hawkish positions toward the United States and Israel, and previously served as commander of the Revolutionary Guards.

The Iranian threat comes against the backdrop of a series of security incidents that have raised tensions in the region. A serious security affair was recently exposed in which a senior commander in the pro-Iranian Iraqi militia "Kataib Hezbollah" allegedly directed, from a detention cell in New York, a plot to attack the British Royal Air Force base RAF Fairford, where American aircraft and forces are stationed.

Following the threat, the United States military this week transferred 10 KC-135 aerial refueling tankers and three Osprey aircraft from RAF Mildenhall in eastern England. The move was made in response to a threat from Iran, and the security alert level at British bases was raised to FPCON Charlie — the second-highest alert level in the American system.

Photo: Shutterstock / The White House, Photo: Shutterstock

The United States is stepping up its security preparations in the Middle East. The US Air Force deployed two RC-135U reconnaissance and intelligence aircraft — one of only two active aircraft of this model worldwide. The aircraft is designed to detect, map and analyze radar systems and air defense systems.

Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Ali Nikzad stated that "the Iranian people, in any situation and under any pressure, do not intend to negotiate on the nuclear issue." According to him, "this negotiation window has closed to our enemies, because they have nothing new to offer."

The Iranian military spokesman joined the belligerent messaging and threatened an unprecedented response to any attempted attack by the US or its allies. "Any further aggression will be met with an immediate, decisive and more extensive response than before. If a new war breaks out, the combat zone will not be limited to the Middle East."