Reuters: Iran warns regional states it would strike US bases if attacked

Tehran has warned US allies in the Middle East that it would target American military bases on their territory if Washington launches an attack on Iran, after President Donald Trump signalled possible intervention in support of protesters.

A senior Iranian official made these remarks to Reuters on January 14, amid US President Donald Trump’s comments about possible intervention in the country during mass anti-government protests.

According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Tehran had asked US allies in the region to help prevent Washington from attacking Iran.

"Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Türkiye, that US bases in those countries will be attacked" if the U.S. targets Iran, the official said.

The official added that direct contacts between Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff had been suspended, underscoring mounting tensions.

Meanwhile, three diplomats told Reuters that some personnel were advised to leave Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest US facility in the Middle East, hosting around 10,000 military personnel—by the evening of January 14.

US President Donald Trump has publicly urged Iranians to keep protesting against their government, posting on Truth Social that “help is on its way” and telling demonstrators to “take over your institutions,” while also cancelling talks with Iranian officials until the violence stops.

Trump has warned Iran that the United States might take “very strong action” — including considering military options — if Iranian authorities continue to violently suppress or execute protesters, though he did not specify what form such action might take.

His statements occurred amid one of the largest protest movements in Iran in years, sparked by economic hardship and met with a harsh government crackdown that reportedly killed thousands of demonstrators.

By Jeyhun Aghazada