War risks spread beyond Middle East

November 13, 2026

The conflict between Iran and the United States is increasingly threatening to turn into a wider regional crisis, with Tehran warning that American military bases in Europe could also come under attack if they are used in a renewed offensive against Iran. The warning suggests that any fresh military confrontation could have consequences far beyond the Middle East.

The threat came amid growing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy claimed that two oil supertankers were disabled by explosions on Wednesday night. According to the Guards, the vessels had ignored warnings against using an unauthorised shipping route. The incident has added to fears that commercial shipping could become another front in the conflict.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Thursday that any military base involved in an attack on Iran would be considered a legitimate target, regardless of its location. Earlier, military official Kioumars Heydari had warned that Iranian missiles and drones could reach American bases and interests beyond the region. He also cautioned countries against allowing their territory to be used for attacks on Iran.

Tehran has also shown little willingness to compromise on its nuclear programme. Rezaei ruled out transferring enriched uranium abroad, saying Iran would retain the material for domestic use. This position complicates diplomatic efforts, particularly as Russia has offered to take the uranium as part of a possible agreement.

The danger of a wider conflict is already visible in Saudi Arabia. Its authorities reported intercepting ballistic missiles and drones, with debris from two missiles falling in a village in the Makkah region. Saudi officials blamed the latest missile attacks on Yemen’s Houthi group.

Yet, despite the increasingly hard positions on both sides, Washington appears to be exploring a diplomatic way out. The Wall Street Journal reported that US Vice President JD Vance was considering direct talks with Rezaei, with Trump reportedly open to giving him the responsibility of leading negotiations. No meeting has been confirmed.