Iran's Foreign Minister has warned that Iran will attack U.S. military bases located in the Middle East if Washington initiates an attack on their country.
On Saturday, 17 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, warned that Iran would strike U.S. military bases in the Middle East if attacked by U.S. forces mobilized in the region, emphasizing that this should not be seen as an attack on the host countries of those bases.
"An attack on American territory is impossible, but we will target their bases in this region," Araghchi said. "We will not attack neighboring countries but will strike U.S. bases located within them. There is a significant difference between these two."
Araghchi's remarks in an interview with Qatar's Al Jazeera television came just one day after Tehran and Washington pledged to continue indirect nuclear talks following positive discussions in Oman on Friday.
Although Araghchi stated no date has been set for the next round of talks, U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations could occur early next week. "We and Washington believe it should happen soon," Araghchi said.
Previously, Trump threatened to attack Iran and reinforced U.S. military presence in the Middle East, demanding Iran halt uranium enrichment—which could lead to nuclear bomb development—stop ballistic missile development, and end support for armed groups across the region.
However, Iran has consistently maintained it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. Despite both sides expressing willingness to revive diplomacy over the long-standing nuclear dispute, Araghchi insisted on refusing to expand talks to other issues.
"Any discussions must avoid threats and pressure. Tehran will discuss only nuclear issues... We will not discuss other matters with the U.S.," Araghchi said.
Iranian officials also stated they want their uranium enrichment rights recognized and warned that including missile programs in negotiations might expose Iran to Israeli attacks.
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Source:cna