Iran warns US allies in Middle East of retaliation if Washington attacks

Iran has warned the Middle Eastern allies of the United States (U.S.) that it will attack the U.S. bases in their countries if Tehran comes under direct attack by the U.S.

The development comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

Nationwide protests in Iran have resulted in 2,600 deaths, a rights group said and several hundred have been arrested. Iranian authorities allege that protests are backed by the CIA and Mossad in their effort to topple Khamenei's rule.

The recent protests pose one of the biggest challenges to the clerical leadership in the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene if the Iranian government uses force against protesters.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran has asked U.S. allies in the region to prevent Washington from attacking Iran, adding, “If U.S. attacks, its bases from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey will be attacked.”

Direct contact between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have been suspended.

Israeli intelligence suggests that Trump has decided to intervene but the timing and scope of the action remains unclear. It remains unclear if the U.S. plans a Venezuela-like operation or a broader military intervention similar to operations in Iraq.