The United States holds the view that Iran could initiate retaliatory strikes aimed at American military personnel in West Asia in the coming days, in response to Washington’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, as reported by two US officials on Monday.
The United States holds the view that Iran might initiate retaliatory strikes against American forces in West Asia within a few days, following the airstrikes conducted by Washington over the weekend on Iranian nuclear facilities, as reported by two US officials on Monday.
One official, who spoke to Reuters under the condition of anonymity, cautioned that the response could occur “within the next day or two,” as Tehran continues to issue threats of retaliation for the airstrikes.
In spite of the escalating tensions, the officials underscored that the US remains dedicated to seeking a diplomatic solution aimed at averting further escalation.
US officials have warned Iran against executing any retaliatory actions in response to Washington’s weekend strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, with President Donald Trump cautioning that any Iranian reaction would be met with a force “far greater” than the initial attacks.
In a statement released on Sunday, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that the US military has enhanced protective measures for its forces in the region, including in Iraq and Syria.
The United States currently has nearly 40,000 troops stationed across West Asia.
Although many of these troops are equipped with advanced air defense systems, fighter jets, and naval assets capable of intercepting incoming threats, their positions remain vulnerable to possible Iranian strikes.
The Pentagon has moved some aircraft and naval assets from West Asia bases considered susceptible to potential Iranian attacks, as reported by Reuters last week.
Among the repositioned forces were aircraft from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a 24-hectare facility located near Doha that serves as the largest US military base in the region and accommodates approximately 10,000 troops.
While Tehran has pledged to retaliate and defend itself following the recent US strikes, it has, up to this point, refrained from directly targeting American bases or taking measures to close the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor through which about a quarter of the world’s oil shipments transit.
Some analysts perceive the restraint as a potential effort to prevent the onset of a full-scale war with the United States.
