Iranian officials announced that recent US support for Israeli military actions against Lebanon has effectively authorized attacks on American bases and assets throughout the Middle East. The statement underscores the escalating confrontation as Tehran condemns the expanded Israeli bombardment and warns Washington of serious consequences.
The tensions rose sharply after multiple Israeli airstrikes targeted Lebanon’s largest city, with Iran accusing the United States, under the Trump administration, of greenlighting these assaults. Despite US efforts to mediate, Israel has continued and intensified its military campaign in Lebanon, drawing sharp criticism for reported use of controversial weapons such as white phosphorus.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf declared that US and allied military installations in the region are now legitimate targets for Iranian forces. He emphasized that Iran’s armed forces remain prepared to respond. This warning comes amid stalled negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Iran and its adversaries, with Israel’s ongoing bombardment cited as a critical obstacle.
The Israeli strikes have inflicted heavy casualties in Lebanon, with thousands killed or wounded since March. Iran demands a cessation of Israeli attacks as a precondition for any diplomatic resolution. However, Israel has resisted international calls for restraint, further complicating the fragile diplomatic efforts.
Last week, the US President expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the persistent attacks, acknowledging a tense phone exchange. The discord highlights the difficulty Washington faces in balancing its alliance with Israel and managing the broader regional instability.