Iran has issued a warning that it would retaliate against US interests if Washington carries out military strikes, as reports emerge of American personnel being withdrawn from bases across the Middle East. The warning underscores rising tensions following speculation that the US administration may be weighing military action against Tehran.
Iranian officials said any attack on the country would be met with a response, framing the warning as a deterrence message rather than a declaration of intent to escalate. The statements followed reports that the United States has begun withdrawing some personnel from regional bases, including sites in the Gulf, as a precaution against possible retaliation.
US officials have described the troop movements as force protection measures, aimed at reducing risk to personnel amid heightened regional uncertainty. However, the withdrawals have been widely interpreted as a signal that Washington is preparing for potential military contingencies involving Iran.
The Trump administration has not publicly confirmed plans for a strike, but senior officials have said all options remain under consideration. The White House has pointed to Iran’s actions and regional behaviour as ongoing concerns, while stopping short of detailing specific military plans.
Iran, for its part, has emphasised that it does not seek conflict but will defend itself if attacked. Officials have warned that US bases and interests in the region could become targets in the event of hostilities, raising fears of a wider regional escalation involving allies and proxy forces.
Internationally, the developments have prompted calls for restraint. European governments and regional actors have urged de-escalation, warning that any military confrontation could destabilise the Gulf and disrupt global security and energy markets.
The standoff comes against a backdrop of long-standing US–Iran tensions, including previous cycles of strikes and retaliation. Past confrontations, such as missile attacks on US bases following the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, have heightened concerns about miscalculation and unintended escalation.
As diplomatic channels remain strained, the situation remains fluid, with uncertainty over whether warnings and troop movements will translate into direct military action.
