The clearest statement came from Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Committee, in an interview with Euronews: “If America uses its bases in Europe, including in Italy and Germany, Iran’s missiles will be fired towards Europe… In the two previous wars we did not do this, but this time we will not let Europe’s assistance to America for an attack on Iran go without consequence.” He and others framed European countries as already involved by hosting bases and said Iran would target bases used against it plus “material and non-material assets” of assisting countries. A second committee member, Fada Hossein Maleki, referred to a prepared new approach that would surprise the US and Europe.
This followed broader signals:
- Statements attributed to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei directing responses “without geographical restrictions” and updates to Iran’s target list.
- IRGC and other officials speaking of no geographic limits and expanding beyond the Middle East.
- State-linked media (e.g., Kayhan, Hamshahri) publishing maps or naming potential targets such as bases in the UK (including RAF Fairford), Germany, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Romania, Cyprus, and others, with claims that missiles could reach “the heart of Europe.” Some reports also mentioned undersea cables or asymmetric options.
Context includes prior conflict rounds in 2026, reported US strikes (e.g., on facilities), Iranian missile launches toward distant targets like Diego Garcia (demonstrating extended range beyond earlier self-imposed limits of roughly 2,000 km), and ongoing tensions involving US forces and European basing. Analysts note that while Iran’s longer-range missiles could reach parts of southeastern or southern Europe (and claims of greater ranges circulate), accuracy, payload, and interception remain significant factors; some Western assessments also highlight possible proxy or non-missile options.
These are deterrence-style threats from Iranian officials and media rather than a formal government declaration of imminent action. Coverage appears across outlets including Euronews, Jerusalem Post, The Times, Iran International, and others. Tensions remain elevated amid discussions of possible further US action.
