Iran warns US bases across region in range, will strike if provoked

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Jun 2025 12:46
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Amid rising tensions, Iran showcases military strength and asserts its readiness to confront any aggression targeting its sovereignty.

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Members of the Iranian Basij paramilitary force march as a domestically-built missile is displayed during the force parade in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 (AP)

Iran’s Defense Minister, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, announced on Wednesday that all US military bases across the region are within striking distance of Iranian missiles. The warning comes amid growing regional tensions and reflects Iran’s firm posture against continued foreign military presence near its borders.

“In case of any conflict, the US must leave the region because all its bases will be within our range,” Nasirzadeh told reporters at a cabinet meeting. He added that Iran would not differentiate between the bases and the host countries harboring them, emphasizing that any aggression would be met with decisive retaliation.

With diplomacy floundering in a state of uncertainty, Nasirzadeh underscored Iran’s readiness to confront any imposed conflict. “God willing, the talks will come to a result,” he said, “but if it does not come to an end and a conflict is imposed on us, the casualties of the other party will definitely be much heavier than ours.”

In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed optimism about the potential for a swift and mutually beneficial agreement.

Posting on X, Araghchi noted that US President Donald Trump had entered office with a position that aligns with Iran’s stated doctrine: “Iran should not have nuclear weapons.” Araghchi suggested that this shared stance “could become the main foundation for a deal.”

President Trump entered office saying that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. That is actually in line with our own doctrine and could become the main foundation for a deal.

As we resume talks on Sunday, it is clear that an agreement that can ensure the continued peaceful…
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 11, 2025

He emphasized that a rapid resolution is within reach, stating, “An agreement that can ensure the continued peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program is within reach—and could be achieved rapidly.”

According to Araghchi, any successful agreement must balance both sides’ interests. “That mutually beneficial outcome relies on the continuation of Iran's enrichment program, under the full supervision of the IAEA, and the effective termination of sanctions,” he wrote.

The comments reflect a broader sentiment within Iran that dialogue must not come at the cost of sovereignty or security, especially while the US continues to maintain a military footprint across the region.

New missile test marks strategic advancement

With stances ranging between diplomacy and military might, Brigadier General Nasirzadeh revealed that Iran had successfully tested a powerful new missile equipped with a two-ton warhead. “Our most recent achievement came last week when we successfully tested a missile carrying a two-ton warhead, with excellent results,” he stated.

The defense minister hailed the successful launch as a testament to Iran’s indigenous defense capabilities. “We have made very good progress in defense affairs. Our operational forces are fully equipped,” he added, affirming Iran’s determination to develop self-reliant military strength.

Tehran’s message is clear: the era of unchecked US military dominance in the region is over. With enhanced missile capability and a doctrine rooted in deterrence and national dignity, Iran has positioned itself as a regional power unwilling to bow to threats or foreign pressure.

As Western powers attempt to dictate regional dynamics, Iran’s advancements serve not only as a military signal but also as a political assertion of its sovereign right to defend itself and resist hegemony or coercion.

Iran can implicate 'Israel' on nuclear arms: Mohajerani to Al Mayadeen

Yesterday, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said that contradictory messages from the United States continue to obstruct progress in indirect nuclear talks, as Iran works to advance diplomacy while preparing for “all possible scenarios.” In an interview for Al Mayadeen, she emphasized that the negotiations must focus solely on lifting sanctions and securing recognition of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.

“The issue of negotiations with the United States is not new,” Mohajerani noted, “but one of the most pressing challenges we face is the inconsistency in statements coming from the US administration.” She explained that Iran’s main objective remains unchanged, saying, “We want the negotiations to concentrate on lifting sanctions and recognizing our peaceful nuclear program. This is not a topic open to negotiation.”

Efforts to arrange the sixth round of indirect talks are ongoing, with Muscat expected to host the next meeting. Yet, Mohajerani warned that without clarity from Washington, diplomacy will continue to stall. “The US must articulate a coherent stance on these issues,” she said. “This internal dissonance complicates our task, but we continue the negotiations with patience and professionalism.”

Reaffirming Iran’s sovereignty over its national defense and scientific development, Mohajerani declared, “The United States has no right to dictate what we are allowed to possess. We will pursue whatever is necessary to safeguard our national interests and will act in line with our own priorities.”

She stressed that Iran’s position on its core rights has been consistent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, adding, “From the very beginning, we have defended our people’s rights and we will not hesitate to do so again.”