DUBAI: Tehran has warned US allies within the Center East it can strike US bases on their soil if Washington assaults Iran, a senior Iranian official informed Reuters on Wednesday (Jan 14), following President Donald Trump’s threats to intervene in support of protesters.
The loss of life toll from Iran’s unrest climbed to virtually 2,600, a rights group mentioned, because the clerical institution seeks to quell nationwide protests posing one of many largest challenges to their rule for the reason that 1979 Islamic Revolution.
In response to an Israeli evaluation, Trump has determined to intervene however the scope and timing of this action stays unclear, an Israeli official mentioned.
The Iranian official, talking on situation of anonymity, mentioned Tehran had requested US allies within the area to “stop Washington from attacking Iran”.
“Tehran has informed regional international locations, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that US bases in these international locations might be attacked” if the US targets Iran, the official mentioned.
The official added that direct contacts between Iran’s International Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Particular Envoy Steve Witkoff had been suspended, reflecting mounting tensions.
A second Israeli supply, a authorities official, mentioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s safety cupboard was briefed late on Tuesday concerning the possibilities of regime collapse or US intervention in Iran, an arch-foe with which Israel fought a 12-day conflict final yr.
In an interview with CBS Information on Tuesday, Trump vowed “very sturdy motion” if Iran executes protesters. “In the event that they cling them, you are going to see some issues,” he mentioned. He additionally urged Iranians on Tuesday to maintain protesting and take over establishments, declaring “assistance is on the way in which” however with out giving particulars.
The US has forces throughout the area together with in Bahrain, residence to the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, and Qatar, which hosts Al Udeid Air Base – the ahead headquarters for US Central Command.
Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid final yr in retaliation for US airstrikes on its nuclear installations.
