25.02.2026 21:10
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi stated that they would consider U.S. bases in neighboring countries as legitimate targets in the event of a possible conflict. Arakchi said, "If the United States decides to attack us, the U.S. bases in the region become legitimate targets. We see them not as the territories of our neighbors or the countries they are located in, but as U.S. bases." The statement is also of great concern to Turkey, which hosts numerous U.S. bases.
The Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a special interview with the India Today channel based in India, announced that they would explicitly target the American military presence in the region in the event of a possible conflict. Araghchi's statement, "We consider US bases legitimate targets," is of great concern to Turkey, which hosts critical facilities such as Incirlik and Kürecik.
CRITICAL WARNING FOR TURKEY AND THE REGION: WE DO NOT CONSIDER IT NEIGHBORING LAND
Minister Araghchi explained Tehran's new doctrine regarding the status of American bases in the region with the following words: "If the US decides to attack us, the American bases in the region will become legitimate targets for us. We do not consider these bases as part of our neighboring countries, but directly as 'American bases.'
HE GAVE THE EXAMPLE OF QATAR
Referring to past operations, Araghchi reminded that a similar situation occurred with Qatar and said, "Last time, when we had no choice but to attack the American base in Qatar, I immediately called my dear brother, the Qatari Foreign Minister, even before the attack.
I informed him in advance and clearly stated that this was not an attack on Qatar. This was an attack on the US facilities in Qatar. We wanted them to understand this distinction." he said.
This statement carries great diplomatic and security significance for countries like Turkey, which is a border neighbor and has strategic base cooperation with the US under NATO.
ASSURANCE OF "AIRSPACE" FROM NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Araghchi stated that the Arab countries in the region and other neighbors have shown a clear stance against the war and expressed that many neighboring countries have assured that they will not open their lands, waters, or airspace to the US for an attack against Iran.
"IS AMERICA READY FOR PEACE?"
Emphasizing that Tehran is fully prepared for both war and peace, Araghchi passed the ball to Washington and concluded the interview with the question: "We are ready, so is America ready for peace?"