Iran Warns Regional Assets Are Legitimate Targets amid Rising Nuclear Tensions

Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States, declaring that all American military bases and assets in the Middle East will be considered "legitimate targets" if Washington proceeds with threats of military aggression.

In a formal letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the Security Council on Thursday, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani condemned what he described as "belligerent statements" from the US administration. 

The correspondence specifically cited recent social media posts by President Donald Trump suggesting the use of military facilities—including British-controlled bases in the Indian Ocean—should nuclear negotiations fail. 

Iravani warned that any US strike would trigger a "decisive and proportionate" defensive response, the consequences of which would be "catastrophic for the region."

The diplomatic escalation comes as President Trump issued a strict ultimatum, stating that Iran has a "maximum of 10 to 15 days" to reach a new nuclear deal.

While traveling on Thursday, the President emphasized that "bad things happen" if an agreement is not reached, following the deployment of significant naval and air assets to the region. 

This military buildup includes aircraft carriers and fighter jets, reinforcing Washington's stance after a brief but intense 12-day conflict involving US strikes on Iranian sites last June.

Despite the heightened rhetoric, both nations have maintained a narrow window for diplomacy. Indirect talks mediated by Oman took place in Geneva earlier this week between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Iranian officials.

While Tehran claims progress was made on "guiding principles," the US continues to demand a total halt to uranium enrichment—a condition Iran has historically resisted.

As the deadline approaches, international concerns are mounting. United Nations officials and regional leaders have urged both sides to prioritize diplomatic channels to prevent the situation from spiraling into a wider regional war. 

For now, the world remains on high alert as the 15-day window for a "meaningful deal" begins to close.

Source: AFP