FT: NATO pledges to counter any Iranian threat to Europe

A NATO official said the alliance is prepared to respond to any threat and will take whatever steps are necessary to defend all its members, following a Financial Times report that Iran has allegedly considered attacks on US military targets in Europe if President Donald Trump escalates the war.

“As demonstrated earlier this year when NATO air defences successfully intercepted ballistic missiles heading to Turkey from Iran on four separate occasions, our deterrence and defence posture is strong and effective,” the official says.

Earlier, Iran had considered attacking US military targets in Europe if US President Donald Trump escalates the conflict, according to people close to the Iranian regime cited by the Financial Times.

Iranian forces have reportedly assessed potential strikes on US assets in south-eastern Europe, including Bulgaria, which recently approved the use of Bezmer air base by US refuelling aircraft. Cyprus has also been considered as a possible target.

The sources said Iranian forces have separately examined targeting subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if tensions escalate.

The reported plans come as Tehran prepares for the possibility of renewed conflict, with negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz stalled. Iran's military commanders have warned that any future conflict could see attacks extend beyond US assets and infrastructure in the Middle East.

By Aghakazim Guliyev