Iran Warns of Retaliation as U.S. Pulls Personnel From Bases

Iran has warned it would retaliate against U.S. military installations across the Middle East if Washington launches strikes against Iran, as the United States began withdrawing some personnel from regional military bases amid rising tensions, according to officials and diplomats.

The warning comes as Donald Trump faces growing pressure over Iran’s handling of anti-government protests and reports of executions in Iran. While Trump has publicly said he believes the violence inside Iran is easing, he has not ruled out military action and has called for close monitoring of the situation.

A senior Iranian official said Tehran has informed neighboring countries hosting U.S. forces that their bases would be considered legitimate targets in the event of an American attack. Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of fueling unrest in Iran, an allegation both deny.

• Iran warns of retaliation as US pulls personnel from Middle East bases
• Tehran says US-linked bases would be targets if Washington strikes Iran
• Rising tensions fuel fears of wider regional military escalation

In response to the heightened risk, the United States has begun reducing non-essential personnel at several bases in the region. Allied countries, including Britain, have taken similar steps. Officials said the move was precautionary and aimed at ensuring the safety of personnel rather than signaling an imminent strike.

Iran is facing its most serious unrest in decades, with protests spreading across multiple cities over economic hardship, political repression, and social restrictions. Human rights groups say thousands have been killed since demonstrations began, claims that Iranian authorities dispute. Tehran has denied reports that it plans mass executions of detained protesters.

Diplomats say Washington has requested a meeting of the U.N. Security Council to discuss the situation, highlighting concerns that the crisis could spill beyond Iran’s borders. Military analysts warn that any direct confrontation between Iran and the United States could quickly escalate, drawing in regional allies and disrupting energy supplies.

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For now, both sides appear to be signaling resolve while avoiding immediate confrontation. However, officials on both sides acknowledge that miscalculation could rapidly turn the standoff into a wider regional conflict.