Iran warns of retaliation against U.S. bases if nuclear talks fail

Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned on Wednesday that if ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States collapse and military conflict breaks out, Iran will respond by targeting American military bases across the region.

“Some officials on the other side are threatening military action if negotiations do not succeed. If conflict is forced upon us, all U.S. bases in the region are within our reach, and we will strike them decisively — even in host countries,” Nasirzadeh declared during a press conference, reports Al-Jarida daily.

His comments come just days before the anticipated sixth round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. While U.S. President Donald Trump announced that negotiations are expected to resume on Thursday, Iranian officials have stated they will take place on Sunday in the Sultanate of Oman.

Tehran is reportedly preparing a counterproposal to a previous U.S. offer that Iran had earlier rejected. President Trump on Tuesday accused Iran of becoming “more aggressive” in its stance during the negotiations and reiterated his threat to bomb Iran if it refuses to agree to a new nuclear deal.

Nasirzadeh also revealed that Iran recently tested a missile carrying a two-ton warhead, underscoring that Tehran will not accept any restrictions on its missile development program.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had earlier affirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities, including its missile arsenal.