FM: Tehran ready to target American bases if Washington launches strike

Iran is prepared to strike US military bases in the Persian Gulf if Washington launches an attack, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, underscoring Tehran’s position amid ongoing indirect talks between the two countries.

Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi said Iran lacks the capability to strike the US mainland but would retaliate by targeting American military installations in the region. “We do not have the capability to attack US territory. If Washington attacks us, we will strike its bases in the region,” he warned.

He stressed that any such response would not involve attacks on neighbouring states, clarifying that Iran would target US facilities specifically, “where Americans are present.”

Araghchi also reiterated Tehran’s refusal to discuss its missile program, saying it would not be negotiated either now or in the future because it is a matter of national defence.

His remarks came against the backdrop of recent indirect discussions between Iran and the United States, conducted through Omani mediators, with neither delegation meeting face to face. Sources familiar with the talks said both sides largely maintained firm positions.

Washington has demanded that Iran halt uranium enrichment, curb its ballistic missile program, and end support for regional militias. Tehran, however, has indicated it is prepared to discuss only its nuclear activities, while insisting that its missile program and regional alliances are issues that could be negotiated solely with neighbouring countries.

The US delegation to the talks included special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US forces in the Middle East. Under the Trump administration, military officials have periodically taken part in diplomatic engagements, reflecting the high-stakes nature of negotiations with Iran.

The discussions marked the first contact between the two sides since a 12-day conflict in June, which began with an Israeli strike and ended with US bombing of key Iranian nuclear facilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova