Iran warns U.S. bases, assets 'legitimate targets' if it attacks

Iran declares U.S. bases legitimate targets if attacked, amid escalating military tensions and diplomatic efforts over its nuclear program.

Iran on Thursday (February 20, 2026) warned that U.S. bases, facilities, and assets would be "legitimate targets" if the United States follows through on its military threats and attacks.

Amir Saeid Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, made the remarks in a letter to U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the president of the Security Council that was seen by AFP.

President Donald Trump has deployed warships, fighter jets, and other military hardware to the Middle East as he seeks to block Iran from building a nuclear bomb, something Tehran says it is not pursuing.

The letter cited a social media post by Mr. Trump on Wednesday (February 18, 2026), where he said the United States may need to use U.K. military bases, including one on an Indian Ocean island, "should Iran decide not to make a deal."

"Such a belligerent statement by the President of the United States signals a real risk of military aggression, the consequences of which would be catastrophic for the region and would constitute a grave threat to international peace and security," Mr. Iravani wrote in the letter.

He called for the Security Council — the U.N.'s top decision-making body, where Washington has veto power — to "ensure that the United States immediately ceases its unlawful threats of the use of force."