Iran Threatens Strikes on European Bases if US Escalates War
Iran is considering attacking military bases in southeastern Europe, including sites in Bulgaria and Cyprus, if the United States escalates its military campaign against Tehran, according to documents reviewed by the Financial Times [223499].
Nearly all European bases used for strikes on Iran could become targets, the sources said [223499]. The warning comes as the US has reportedly expanded its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments [223499].
The report did not specify which bases beyond Bulgaria and Cyprus are under consideration, nor did it confirm whether any immediate action is planned [223499]. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which around 20% of the world’s oil passes daily, making it a key strategic point in any conflict [223499].
US officials have not publicly commented on the reported intelligence, and no independent verification of the claims is available at this time [223499]. The threat comes as President Donald Trump announced a new economic offensive against Iran, calling it the "most devastating economic operation ever undertaken against any country" [223253]. Trump warned that any nation allowing its financial institutions, companies, airports, or government entities to provide "any kind of lifeline" to Iran would face economic consequences [223253]. He demanded these operations "stop NOW" and said Washington will monitor countries and entities that allow them to continue [223253].
Trump framed the initiative as a new phase of US pressure on Tehran, claiming Iran's armed forces have been severely weakened after recent clashes and that its economy is on the verge of collapse [223253]. "This will be an economic D-DAY," he said, urging US allies to join the isolation of Iran and reiterating that his government will prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon [223253].
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new American sanctions are designed to make the Iranian regime "collapse" [223411]. Trump also said he does not believe Iran is willing to reach "the kind of agreement that I think is necessary" [223399]. The two countries agreed to a temporary ceasefire in June, but Trump says the United States does not want to extend it [223399].
Oil prices rose for a fifth straight session following Trump’s announcement of new measures aimed at crippling Iran’s economy, renewing concerns over global supply disruptions [222919]. Iran announced it will push back after Trump signaled that economic pressure is now a central part of Washington’s approach, with First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref ordering "intensified market supervision" in response [220816].