NATO responds to Iran's threat to European countries
NATO has said it is ready to respond to any threat to protect its members after reports that Iran is considering strikes on military facilities in Bulgaria and Cyprus. Tehran has not yet responded to reports of possible strikes on Europe.
NATO Responds to Iran's Threats to European Countries
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has responded to media reports of possible Iranian attacks on military facilities in Europe.
An alliance spokesman told Reuters on August 19 that NATO is ready to respond to any threat and take the necessary measures to protect its member states.
"Our deterrence and defense strategy is strong and effective," the NATO official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Iran was discussing the possibility of striking certain European facilities in the event of a further escalation of the conflict with the United States. According to the publication, possible targets include facilities in Cyprus and Bulgaria.
Bulgaria in July allowed the United States to use its air base for refueling aircraft. Cyprus is home to British military bases.
The New York Times, citing sources, wrote that Iran has also considered the option of striking one of the ports in Ukraine. According to the publication, such a possible attack was discussed in response to the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ attack on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea. However, Tehran is said to have later abandoned this plan.
Iranian officials have not commented on the latest reports of possible strikes on targets in Europe. At the same time, on August 19, the representative of the Iranian Supreme Military Command, General Ali Abdullah Aliabadi, issued another warning to the Gulf states cooperating with the United States.
He accused these countries of helping Washington carry out strikes on Iranian territory.
This statement came after the United Arab Emirates decided to suspend all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.
UAE officials have accused Tehran of launching two missiles towards the country, saying the attack was aimed at targeting shipping. Iran has denied the allegations.