IRAN would retaliate by targeting United States military bases across the Middle East if it comes under attack from American forces, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Saturday, stressing that any such response should not be interpreted as an assault on the host countries themselves.
Speaking to Qatar-based Al Jazeera television, Araqchi issued the warning a day after Tehran and Washington agreed to continue indirect negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme following what both sides described as constructive talks held in Oman.
“It would not be possible to attack American soil, but we will target their bases in the region,” Reuters cited Araqchi saying. “We will not attack neighbouring countries; rather, we will target U.S. bases stationed in them. There is a big difference between the two.”
Araqchi said no date had yet been fixed for the next round of talks, although US President Donald Trump said discussions could resume early next week. “We and Washington believe it should be held soon,” the Iranian foreign minister said.
Tensions remain high after Trump warned of military action against Iran following a buildup of US naval forces in the region.
Washington has demanded that Tehran renounce uranium enrichment, curb its ballistic missile programme and halt support for armed groups across the Middle East. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
While both sides have indicated a willingness to re-engage diplomatically over Iran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West, Araqchi made clear that Tehran would resist any attempt to broaden the scope of the negotiations.
“Any dialogue requires refraining from threats and pressure. (Tehran) only discusses its nuclear issue ... We do not discuss any other issue with the U.S.,” he said.
The backdrop to the renewed talks includes last June’s US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which came during the final phase of a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign.
Tehran later said it halted uranium enrichment activities in response. Iran also launched missiles at a US base in Qatar at the time, a country that maintains close relations with both Iran and the United States.
Araqchi warned that a fresh American attack could trigger a similar response.
Iran insists that it is seeking recognition of its right to enrich uranium under international law and argues that placing its missile programme on the negotiating table would leave the country exposed to potential Israeli attacks.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, the Oman talks were described by both sides as positive, with mediators facilitating indirect exchanges between the delegations. Whether the latest diplomatic momentum can withstand mounting military threats on both sides remains uncertain. - February 8, 2026
