The Iranian government is examining the possibility of attacking\nAmerican military assets in Europe if President Donald Trump escalates\nthe war, as part of Tehran\u2019s options to expand the conflict beyond the\nMiddle East, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday (19\/8).<\/p>\n
Citing two sources close to the Iranian government, the British daily\nreported that Iranian forces have assessed the possibility of strikes\nagainst US assets in southeastern European countries, including\nBulgaria, which last month approved the use of Bezmer Air Base by\nAmerican refuelling aircraft.<\/p>\n
Cyprus, whose British air base was targeted by a drone attack in\nMarch, is also being considered as a potential target if the US launches\nfurther strikes, according to one source.<\/p>\n
Iranian forces have separately examined the possibility of targeting\nundersea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz in the event of\nfurther escalation, according to the report.<\/p>\n
One source told the Financial Times that Tehran is preparing a range\nof options to widen the conflict if Trump follows through on his earlier\nthreat to strike Iranian infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the US goes too far, Iran will defend itself by any means,\nextending beyond the region and striking Europe as well,\u201d the source\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The report emerged as negotiations over reopening the Strait of\nHormuz remain stalled and the prospects for resuming Tehran-Washington\ntalks continue to dim.<\/p>\n
Trump said on Tuesday that there are \u201cno ongoing or scheduled talks\nor conversations\u201d with Tehran.<\/p>\n
Iranian military officials have previously warned that any military\nbase used to launch attacks on Iranian territory could be considered a\ntarget.<\/p>\n
The report also cited military experts who said Iran possesses\nmissiles capable of reaching parts of southern and southeastern Europe,\nalthough their effectiveness and accuracy may diminish at longer\nranges.<\/p>\n
Iran and the US signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at\nending the war and paving the way for a broader agreement. However, the\ndeal subsequently collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations and\nrenewed hostilities.<\/p>\n
Diplomatic efforts since then have yet to produce a breakthrough in\nreopening the Strait of Hormuz or resuming negotiations on a broader\nagreement.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/iran-threatens-to-attack-us-military-facilities-in-europe-1787147519", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }