Escalation in US-Iran Conflict: Tehran Warns Gulf States of Broader Strikes

Iran’s military spokesperson has issued a stark warning to Gulf nations, declaring that any cooperation with the United States or logistical support for American forces will be treated as an act of war, amid ongoing hostilities that have already seen Iranian strikes across the region.

In a statement carried by Iranian state media, Second Brigadier General Abolfazl Zolfaghari of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters cautioned regional leaders: “The leaders of regional countries are warned that any cooperation with America and logistical support for its aggressive army will be considered as an act of war against Iran’s sovereignty and national security.” He further emphasized that expanded conflict would engulf all countries in the Gulf in “the flames of war.”

The remarks come as tensions flare over the Strait of Hormuz and after repeated Iranian attacks on US-linked targets in neighboring states. Iran has launched missiles and drones at US facilities in countries including Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and others in recent days, framing the actions as retaliation for US strikes on Iranian territory.

Gulf nations have strongly condemned the Iranian assaults. Qatar, for instance, denounced the “repeated Iranian attacks” on Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait as violations of sovereignty, while calling for de-escalation and diplomacy.

The latest Iranian warning appears largely redundant given the recent wave of attacks on Gulf infrastructure and US bases hosted in the region. Kuwait, Bahrain, and others have reported interceptions of projectiles, with some damage and injuries reported from falling debris.

The US-Iran confrontation, which has disrupted a fragile ceasefire, continues to risk drawing in more regional players as both sides exchange threats over maritime security and military presence in the Gulf. Oil markets and global shipping remain on edge due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.