Iran warns Gulf states against aiding US military
Iranian military chief says facilitating US operations against Tehran would make Gulf countries participants in American military actions
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iran’s armed forces have warned Gulf countries against providing assistance or logistical support to the US military, saying any such cooperation would amount to participation in American military operations against Iran.
Iranian armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi issued the warning, according to Iran’s Mehr news agency, as US military activity in and around the region continues to draw Tehran’s attention.
Abdollahi said Gulf states that provide facilities or other forms of assistance to US forces should understand that Iran would regard such actions as direct involvement in the conflict.
He questioned how large numbers of US military aircraft, particularly aerial refueling planes, could operate from regional bases without the knowledge of the governments hosting those facilities.
The Iranian military chief also addressed Gulf countries that have publicly stated they would not permit their territories to be used for American attacks against Iran.
He said Tehran was closely monitoring regional military movements and was aware of developments involving US forces and their activities at bases around the Arabian Gulf.
The warning comes amid an ongoing US-Iran conflict that began on Feb. 28 following US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes, including attacks against US military installations elsewhere in the region.
Iran has repeatedly warned regional governments against allowing their territory or military infrastructure to become platforms for American military operations.
The latest statement comes as the United States prepares to redeploy the USS George Washington aircraft carrier to the Middle East, replacing the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The carrier movement adds to the growing US military presence in a region already facing heightened tensions and raises further concerns in Tehran about the potential use of regional bases and facilities in operations against Iran.
Iran’s warning places additional pressure on Gulf governments, many of which maintain close security relationships with Washington while simultaneously seeking to avoid being drawn directly into the confrontation between Tehran and the United States.
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