An Iranian military general warned that Iran would retaliate against a British base housing U.S. forces if the United States attacks the Islamic Republic, escalating tensions following renewed warnings from President Donald Trump.
In an interview published Saturday by The Telegraph, the unnamed Iranian general said Tehran would make no distinction between British or American targets in the event of an attack. “There will be no distinction in targeting British or American forces if Iran is attacked from any base in the region or within the range of Iranian missiles,” he said. The general added, “When the time comes, it won’t matter whether you’re an American, British or Turkish soldier—you will be targeted if your base is used by Americans.”
The focus of the warning was Diego Garcia, a remote British-controlled island in the Indian Ocean where the U.S. military reportedly stationed at least five B-2 stealth bombers in recent days. Iranian state-affiliated media also threatened possible ballistic missile and suicide drone attacks on the base.
Separately, Rear Adm. Alireza Tangsiri, the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps navy, warned that Tehran could block the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. “The decision is not mine to make, but its implementation is,” Tangsiri said, while accusing Israel of plotting regional domination and asserting that Saudi Arabia and Iraq are aligned with that plan. He also acknowledged Trump’s warnings and said Iran was preparing for a possible confrontation.
Trump, speaking Friday in the Oval Office, confirmed he had sent a letter to Iran’s leadership. “If we don’t work it out, bad, bad things are going to happen to Iran,” Trump said. “You have to make a decision, one way or the other—we either have to talk and talk it out or very bad things are going to happen to Iran. I don’t want that to happen. My big preference is, we work it out with Iran.”
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Israeli officials, who have been closely watching the developments, said they believe indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran are likely to unfold over the coming months and may determine whether a new nuclear deal is reached. However, Jerusalem is preparing for the possibility that talks will fail.
Trump warns Iran of 'bad things' if no new nuclear deal is reached
(Video: from X)
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with officials in Washington in recent days to discuss potential scenarios. Israeli sources noted that the current U.S. administration has shown a strong desire to reach a diplomatic solution but has also made clear that military options remain on the table. The recent buildup of U.S. military forces in the Indian Ocean is viewed by both Washington and Jerusalem as part of that strategy.
Following the loss of key regional proxies, Israeli and U.S. officials fear Iran may accelerate efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. According to recent American intelligence assessments, Iran could produce enough weapons-grade uranium for a bomb in less than a week.