Iran has cautioned the United States that any military aggression against it would trigger retaliation, declaring that all American bases and assets in the region would become “legitimate targets” if conflict erupts.
In a sharply worded letter addressed to António Guterres and members of the United Nations Security Council, Tehran accused Washington of issuing unlawful threats of force and urged the Council to intervene “without delay” to prevent further escalation.
While asserting that it “neither seeks tension nor war” and does not intend to initiate hostilities, Iran made clear it would respond if attacked. “In the event that it is subjected to military aggression, Iran will respond decisively and proportionately in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations,” the letter stated.
Tehran added that under such circumstances, “all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets” as part of its defensive measures. It further warned that the United States would bear “full and direct responsibility” for any “unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences” arising from such actions.
Iran called on the Security Council to use its authority and diplomatic channels to ensure that Washington “immediately ceases its unlawful threats of the use of force.” The warning comes amid rising military posturing and increasingly confrontational rhetoric from both sides.
On Thursday, Iran carried out its annual joint military exercises with Russia, even as a second US aircraft carrier advanced closer to the Middle East — a visible signal of mounting strategic pressure in the region. The developments have underscored the fragile state of relations between Washington and Tehran, particularly as nuclear negotiations remain uncertain.
Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that failure to reach a nuclear agreement would have consequences. In his latest remarks, he suggested the window for diplomacy may be narrowing, saying he believes 10 to 15 days is “enough time” for Iran to reach a deal.
“It’s proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran, and we have to make a meaningful deal. Otherwise, bad things happen,” Trump said on Thursday.
Although there has been no official indication of imminent military action, the convergence of diplomatic deadlines, visible force deployments, and intensifying rhetoric has kept tensions elevated, placing US-Iran relations under heightened international scrutiny.
