Iran Warns of Retaliation if U.S. Strikes as Washington Withdraws Some Personnel from Regional Bases

AP

Protests in Iran.

Iran has warned it would retaliate against U.S. military assets in the Middle East if Washington carries out strikes against the country, amid sharply rising tensions linked to Iran’s internal unrest and U.S. warnings of possible action.

Iranian officials have conveyed messages to regional governments hosting U.S. forces, saying American bases could become targets if the United States intervenes militarily. The warning comes after U.S. President Donald Trump issued strong statements condemning Iran’s crackdown on protesters and signaled that “very strong action” could follow if violence continues.

In response to the heightened risk, the United States has withdrawn some personnel from military bases in the region as a precautionary measure, according to officials. The moves were described as limited and defensive, rather than a full evacuation or preparation for imminent military operations.

The escalation follows weeks of widespread anti-government protests across Iran, which human rights groups say have resulted in thousands of deaths. Iranian authorities have disputed those figures and accused foreign powers, including the United States, of attempting to destabilise the country.

While no U.S. strike has been confirmed, the exchange of warnings has increased fears of a broader confrontation, raising concerns among regional allies and global markets already unsettled by the crisis.

Sources: Reuters, The Washington Post, and CBC



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