Iran’s foreign minister issued a blunt warning this week, saying Tehran would retaliate against U.S. military bases across the Middle East if Washington were to launch strikes against Iran, underscoring the high stakes as indirect negotiations continue between the two longtime adversaries.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would have little choice but to target American installations in the region if attacked. According to a translation of his remarks, Araghchi argued that Iran lacks the ability to strike the U.S. mainland and would instead respond by hitting American bases positioned throughout the Middle East.
“In my view this is very clear,” Araghchi said. “If the U.S. attacks us, it is evident that we don’t have the ability and access to attack U.S. territory, and therefore have to attack or retaliate to U.S. bases in the region.” He added that “unfortunately, U.S. bases are spread all over the region,” framing them as potential targets in any confrontation.
The comments come amid renewed tension between Tehran and Washington during President Donald Trump’s second term, even as both sides continue indirect diplomatic engagement. On Friday, Trump struck a cautiously optimistic tone, telling reporters that recent talks with Iran had been “very good,” while still making clear that the administration is prepared to impose serious consequences if negotiations fail.
Trump warned of “very steep” repercussions if the two countries are unable to reach an agreement, emphasizing that the United States is not operating under artificial deadlines. When asked about the timeline for a deal, the president referenced past U.S. strategy, saying patience remains an option.
“You have to get in position,” Trump said. “We have plenty of time if you remember Venezuela, we waited around for a while and we’re in no rush.” He went on to highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts on multiple fronts, saying the administration was engaged in productive discussions not only with Iran, but also with Russia and Ukraine.
“We have very good talks going with Iran. We have very good talks going with Russia and Ukraine. We’re doing a lot of good talking,” Trump said. He added that the latest round of discussions with Tehran had yielded enough progress to warrant another meeting. “The results today with Iran … we’re gonna meet again early next week. And they want to make a deal as they should want to make a deal.”
For his part, Araghchi sought to narrow the scope of the negotiations, saying the talks have focused exclusively on Iran’s nuclear program. In the Saturday interview, he said the Americans did not raise issues beyond that subject during recent discussions.
He noted that the talks were held indirectly through Oman, but said both sides had previously agreed to limit the agenda. According to Araghchi, that understanding was honored during the negotiations, with discussions confined to nuclear matters.
The backdrop to the current standoff includes U.S. military action taken last year. In June 2025, the United States launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in an effort to curb Tehran’s nuclear program. That operation continues to loom over current talks, reinforcing both the risks of escalation and the pressure on both sides to reach an agreement.
As negotiations move forward, Iran’s warning about U.S. bases highlights how quickly diplomacy could give way to confrontation if talks break down.
[READ MORE: New Note Emerges in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case as FBI Intensifies Search]
