Tehran newspaper chief threatens global US targets over frozen assets

Hossein Shariatmadari, the hardline editor of Iranian Kayhan newspaper, has said that Iran would consider US military bases and economic facilities worldwide as legitimate targets if the country's frozen assets are transferred to third countries.

In his column in Kayhan, Shariatmadari wrote that if the United States “commits this foolish act,” the Islamic Republic would regard US military bases and economic centres anywhere in the world as legitimate targets for its missiles and drones, Iran International reports.

He added that ships and oil tankers transporting crude and goods, and belonging to countries receiving Iran’s frozen assets, would also be confiscated as compensation.

Shariatmadari further claimed that US President Donald Trump is aware that neither the United States nor its “small Arab allies” have the capability to withstand such a response.

Concluding his remarks, he wrote: “And now America should say: well then, let’s test our strength.”

By Vafa Guliyeva