Iran warns Gulf states against supporting US military operations

Iran's armed forces have issued a stern warning to Gulf countries against aiding the United States military, claiming such assistance equates to participation in U.S. operations against Tehran. Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi made this statement on Wednesday, according to Iran's Mehr news agency. "Any assistance or support given to the American aggressor military amounts to involvement in the US military operation," he declared.

The warning follows ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, which escalated on February 28 after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks, including strikes on American military installations throughout the region. Abdollahi questioned how a large number of American aircraft, especially aerial refueling planes, could operate from regional bases without the host countries' knowledge or approval.

"It appears improbable that such a substantial fleet of military aircraft, particularly refueling planes, could be stationed at regional bases without the consent of the hosting nations," he asserted. Abdollahi also addressed Gulf nations that have previously stated their territories would not be utilized against Iran, reminding them that Tehran is vigilant about regional developments.

"The nations bordering the Persian Gulf, who have previously stated they would not permit the United States to utilize their territory against Iran, should be aware that we are fully cognizant of the situation," he noted. Iran's warning arrives as the United States plans to redeploy the USS George Washington aircraft carrier to the Middle East, replacing the USS Abraham Lincoln, according to reports of deteriorating conditions on the latter's crew.