Iran has threatened to target U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including those in Qatar and the UAE, in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 21.
The warning, issued by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on June 22, escalates tensions following the U.S. operation, dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” which President Donald Trump claimed “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program.
Araghchi, speaking on state TV, called the strikes a “criminal act” and reserved Iran’s right to respond, citing 400 deaths and 3,056 injuries from Israeli strikes since June 12. Iran’s parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, a move pending Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s approval, per Sky News. The Pentagon, via Secretary Pete Hegseth, confirmed the strikes hit enrichment sites with 30 Tomahawk missiles and B-2 bombers, causing “very significant damage,”. Iran denied radioactive leaks.
The threats follow Iran’s missile strikes on Israel, including a hospital hit in Be’er Sheva. U.S. bases like Al Udeid in Qatar, hosting 10,000 troops, are within Iran’s missile range. Analysts warn of oil price spikes if Iran acts, with Brent crude already at $85 per barrel. Trump, summoning his National Security Council, signaled no further strikes unless provoked.