Tensions between Tehran and Washington have reached a dangerous peak as the Iranian government warned the United States that any military intervention in its ongoing domestic unrest will trigger immediate retaliatory strikes against American military bases across the Middle East.
The warning follows repeated declarations from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged Iranians to seize control of their institutions and vowed “very strong action” if the regime proceeds with the execution of protesters.
Threats to Regional U.S. Bases
A senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed on Wednesday that Tehran has communicated a stern message to regional neighbors including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey.
- The Warning: Tehran has explicitly stated that if the U.S. targets Iran or intervenes in the protests, the U.S. military installations hosted within these sovereign nations will be considered legitimate targets.
- Diplomatic Suspension: Direct communications between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have reportedly been suspended.
- Regional Diplomacy: Iranian security chief Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Araqchi have been in active contact with counterparts in Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, asserting Iran’s determination to defend its sovereignty.
Precautionary Shifts at Al Udeid
Amid these threats, diplomatic sources revealed that some personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were advised to leave by Wednesday evening. Officials emphasized that this move is a “posture change” and a precautionary measure rather than a full-scale evacuation.
This development mirrors the heightened alert levels seen prior to the Iranian missile strikes of early 2025, signaling that the U.S. is taking Tehran’s threats of regional escalation seriously.
Trump: “Help is on the Way”
In a Tuesday interview with CBS News, President Trump escalated his rhetoric against the clerical establishment. He warned of unspecified “things” that would occur if the regime used the death penalty against demonstrators.
“If they hang them, you’re going to see some things,” Trump stated. He urged the Iranian people to continue their push for change, declaring, “Help is on the way.” When pressed on the specifics of this “help,” the President remained cryptic, telling reporters they would “have to figure that out” once further intelligence reports are processed.
Mounting Casualties and Internet Blackout
Assessing the human cost of the demonstrations remains difficult due to a continued national internet blackout. however, current estimates suggest a scale of violence unprecedented in recent decades:
- HRANA Estimates: The U.S.-based rights group has verified 2,403 deaths among protesters and 147 deaths among government-affiliated personnel.
- Official Admission: In a rare move, an Iranian official admitted to Reuters that the total death toll is approximately 2,000.
- Detentions: HRANA reports that 18,137 individuals have been arrested since the unrest began on December 28, 2025.
Internal Regime Posture
Despite the unrest, the clerical establishment continues to project strength. On Monday, large-scale pro-government rallies were held across the country, and security forces appear to remain unified. The Iranian Chief Justice has called for “swift trials and punishment” for participants labeled as “terrorists,” specifically those accused of violent acts against security personnel.
As the U.S. State Department urges all American citizens to leave Iran immediately, the international community is watching for signs of a potential U.S. intervention or a catastrophic regional spillover.
Source: Reuters
Related Posts:
US Delivers ‘Critical’ Military Materials to Nigeria to Combat Terrorism and Banditry
IRAN: Attorney General Warns of Death Penalty as Protests Enter Second Week Amid Blackout
