Iran eyes strikes on US assets in Europe if war escalates

Iran has evaluated the possibility of striking US military installations in Europe if President Donald Trump escalates the ongoing war, according to a report by the Financial Times published Wednesday. Citing two individuals with knowledge of Iranian government deliberations, the British daily indicated that Tehran is preparing contingency options to widen the conflict beyond the Middle East. Among the assessed targets are US assets in southeastern European nations, including Bulgaria, which recently approved the use of its Bezmer air base by American refueling aircraft.

Potential targets and military considerations

Cyprus, where a British military base was struck by a drone in March, has also been identified as a possible target in the event of a renewed US offensive, one source told the Financial Times. Iranian forces have separately examined the feasibility of disrupting subsea fiber-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz should hostilities intensify. A source close to the Iranian government warned: "Should the US go too far, Iran will defend itself at any price, go beyond the region and hit Europe too." Military experts cited in the report noted that Iran possesses missiles capable of reaching parts of southern and southeastern Europe, though accuracy may diminish over longer distances.

Stalled diplomacy and regional tensions

The report emerges as negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments—remain at an impasse, and prospects for renewed Tehran-Washington talks have faded. President Trump stated on Tuesday that there are "no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled" with Iran. Iranian military officials have previously cautioned that any base used to launch attacks against Iranian territory could be considered a legitimate target. The standoff follows the collapse of a June memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US, which had been intended to end hostilities and pave the way for a broader agreement. Mutual accusations of violations have since scuttled diplomatic efforts.