No US Base Is Safe: Iran Threatens European Bases If Trump Resumes War

If Donald Trump uses European territory to launch fresh attacks on Iran, Tehran has warned that American military bases there could face missile strikes. Iran is threatening to take a renewed war far beyond the Gulf, putting several European countries within the potential reach of its weapons.

The warning came from Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, who said Tehran would no longer limit its response to nearby American bases. If US aircraft take off from distant military installations to bomb Iran, those bases would also become targets. He even warned that Iran could strike islands that Washington believes are beyond the reach of its missiles.

Iran has several long-range weapons, including the Sejjil and Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missiles, both reported to have ranges of around 2,500 km, although estimates vary. Its Soumar cruise missile and Shahed-136 attack drone are also claimed to have ranges approaching 2,500 km. These capabilities could put parts of Europe within reach.

Countries potentially exposed include the Baltic states, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania in Eastern Europe. Austria and Slovenia could also face risks, while Greece, Albania and Italy are among the countries in Southern Europe that could fall within the range of some Iranian weapons. The actual threat would depend on launch locations, missile capabilities and NATO's air defences.

But Iran's response may not be limited to conventional missile and drone attacks. It could also involve cyberattacks, assassinations and proxy operations using hired operatives.

France recently accused an IRGC-linked hacking group of attacking supermarket refrigeration systems. The attacks reportedly changed temperature settings in refrigerators and freezers, destroying food supplies. More than 100 Coopérative U stores and 180 Intermarché and Netto outlets were affected, along with other retailers. Iran rejected the allegations.

Britain has also faced two separate security threats involving RAF Fairford, a base used by American bombers. One investigation followed the arrest of five men near the base in September. A separate alleged drone attack plan prompted the withdrawal of US B-1 bombers. US prosecutors have since charged three men over an alleged Iran-backed campaign that included a plot against the base. Iran has denied involvement.

The bigger concern is Tehran's growing missile ambitions. On November 7, the IRGC announced that it had lifted its self-imposed 2,000-km missile-range limit. Iran has not confirmed that it already possesses operational missiles capable of reaching deeper into Europe. However, if its missile range reaches 4,000 km, Germany, France, Spain and the UK could also come within reach.