The Iranian regime is contemplating targeting U.S. military bases located in Europe if former President Donald Trump decides to escalate his offensive. This information was disclosed by the Financial Times on Wednesday, citing two sources within the Tehran government.
Potential targets include U.S. assets in southeastern Europe, with a particular focus on Bulgaria. Last month, Bulgaria authorized the use of its Bezmer airbase for American refueling aircraft. Similarly, Cyprus is under scrutiny after a British airbase in Akrotiri was hit by a drone in March this year.
According to the same sources, Iranian forces are also considering attacking underwater fiber optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz as a retaliatory measure should tensions escalate further.
Heightened Tensions and Military Posturing
The Financial Times emphasizes that these threats reflect a defiant mood in Tehran, where significant factions within the regime view a return to large-scale warfare as inevitable.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, along with other military leaders, have warned that in a new large-scale conflict, Iran would abandon its previous strategy—focused on attacking military assets and energy infrastructure in the Middle East—to target much more distant objectives.
Experts consulted by the British newspaper suggest that Tehran might deploy Shahab series medium-range ballistic missiles against U.S. positions in southern and southeastern Europe.
Warnings and Regional Dynamics
Concurrently, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, General Ali Abdollahi, issued a direct warning to Gulf countries: "We caution that any assistance or facilitation provided to the U.S. aggressor army will be considered as collaboration with U.S. military forces."
Abdollahi further stated, "Nothing escapes our attention," referring to Washington's military activities in the region.
This warning comes amid a fresh crisis between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi accused Tehran of launching two ballistic missiles at its territory, prompting it to suspend all commercial relations, trade exchanges, and financial transactions with the Persian country.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Bagaei dismissed these accusations as "baseless."
Background and Escalation
The conflict traces back to the so-called Operation Epic Fury, coordinated attacks by the U.S. and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026.
After weeks of bombings, a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan took effect in April, and in June, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding in Switzerland. This agreement included the cessation of hostilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, on July 18, Iran announced it was suspending its commitments under that agreement. Trump declared the truce over and resumed aerial offensives on July 30.
Since then, Washington has combined military pressure with an economic strangulation strategy: it revoked the waiver allowing Iran to export oil, imposed new financial sanctions on August 7, and is preparing an economic isolation plan designed to cripple the regime's finances.
On Tuesday, Trump confirmed that there were no ongoing or planned talks with Tehran, highlighting a complete diplomatic stalemate and fueling fears of a new military escalation that could, for the first time, extend to European soil.
Frequently Asked Questions on Iran's Potential Threats
Why is Iran threatening to target U.S. bases in Europe?
Iran is considering targeting U.S. bases in Europe as a response to the possibility of an intensified offensive by former President Donald Trump. This move would signal a shift from targeting Middle Eastern assets to more distant locations.
What specific targets in Europe is Iran focusing on?
Iran is focusing on U.S. assets in southeastern Europe, particularly in Bulgaria and Cyprus, where strategic military bases are located.
How has the U.S. responded to Iran's threats?
The United States has not engaged in talks with Tehran, maintaining a stance of military pressure combined with economic sanctions, aiming to isolate Iran financially.
What is the broader context of the Iran-U.S. conflict?
The conflict escalated following Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated attack by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Despite a ceasefire, hostilities resumed, leading to Iran's current threats.