A senior Iranian military commander has urged regional countries to reconsider their security cooperation with the United States, warning that nations hosting or supporting US military operations could face consequences if tensions escalate into a wider conflict.
Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said regional governments should reassess their military and security ties with Washington, according to Al Jazeera.
Abdollahi said on Saturday, August 1, that the United States was seeking to use the wealth, infrastructure and strategic resources of regional countries as a “defensive shield” for what he described as a weakened US military.
“Any country that acts as America’s defensive shield will burn in the flames of war,” Abdollahi said, according to the report, repeating Tehran’s warning that neighbouring states should not allow their territory to be used for US military operations against Iran.
The remarks come as tensions between Iran and the United States remain elevated following a period of military exchanges, threats and diplomatic uncertainty across the Middle East.
Several Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, host major US military facilities but have sought to avoid becoming directly involved in a confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
Recent missile and drone incidents linked to regional tensions, including reported attacks affecting Gulf states, have increased concerns that any escalation between Iran and the United States could expand beyond the immediate conflict zone.
Iran has repeatedly warned countries hosting US forces that they could become targets if American military operations against Tehran are launched from their territories. Washington, however, has maintained military partnerships with several Gulf allies as part of its broader regional security strategy.
The United States has not immediately responded to the commander’s remarks. The warning comes as regional and international actors continue diplomatic efforts to prevent rising tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel from developing into a broader Middle East conflict.
