Iran warns countries helping US they could also become targets

TEHRAN/BISHKEK: Iran has issued a stern warning to countries that may support any future US military action against the Islamic Republic, saying states that assist or facilitate such operations could also face consequences and be held responsible under international law.

The warning came as Iranian officials claimed that a US missile strike targeted a naval headquarters belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the country’s northern Gilan province, although the allegation has not been independently verified.

Speaking at a regional meeting in Bishkek, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said any country participating in, assisting or enabling military aggression against Iran would bear legal and political responsibility under international law.

“Those who cooperate with or facilitate any act of aggression against Iran will be held accountable,” Araghchi said, adding that Tehran reserves the right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and national security.

His remarks underscore the increasingly confrontational rhetoric between Tehran and Washington amid heightened regional tensions and fears of further military escalation.

Meanwhile, Iran’s state news agency IRNA quoted Gilan Deputy Governor Ali Bagheri as saying that US missiles struck an IRGC Navy headquarters located in the coastal area of Zibakenar early Friday morning.

According to Iranian officials, the attack damaged equipment inside the military installation. However, authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties and did not provide additional operational details about the extent of the damage.

The United States has not officially responded to Iran’s allegations, and no independent sources have confirmed that such a strike took place.

The competing claims come as tensions between the two longtime rivals continue to intensify following a series of military confrontations and accusations exchanged in recent weeks.

Regional security analysts warn that increasingly aggressive statements from both Tehran and Washington could further complicate the security environment across the Middle East, particularly if neighboring countries become involved in the dispute.

Experts say Iran’s latest warning appears aimed at discouraging regional allies from providing logistical, intelligence or military support to any potential US operation. Such statements also signal Tehran’s intention to broaden accountability beyond direct military participants should hostilities escalate.

Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions have so far produced little visible progress, while both sides continue to exchange sharp warnings and accusations.

With neither Washington nor Tehran showing signs of softening their positions, concerns remain that the already fragile regional security landscape could deteriorate further, increasing the risk of a broader confrontation involving additional regional actors.