In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Iran has formally declared United States military installations and assets as “legitimate targets” should Washington initiate military action against the Islamic Republic. The warning was delivered through an official letter from Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council president.
The communication directly referenced President Donald Trump’s recent social media post suggesting potential use of UK military bases, including facilities in the Indian Ocean, for operations against Iran. Ambassador Iravani characterized these statements as “belligerent” and indicative of “a real risk of military aggression” that would have catastrophic regional consequences and pose grave threats to international peace.
This development occurs amid substantial US military deployments to the Middle East, including warships and fighter aircraft, ostensibly to prevent Iranian nuclear weapons development—a ambition Tehran consistently denies pursuing. The Iranian delegation simultaneously affirmed its commitment to diplomatic solutions and addressing concerns regarding its nuclear program on a reciprocal basis.
President Trump has intensified rhetoric against Iran following recent internal crackdowns on protesters and continued nuclear program concerns, issuing an ultimatum giving Tehran approximately 15 days to reach an agreement. This warning follows indirect talks in Geneva between US envoys, including presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Iranian diplomatic representatives, which reportedly showed some progress despite previous negotiation failures following Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities last June.