NATO warns Iran over potential strikes on European military targets

NATO has issued a warning to Tehran, stating the Alliance is prepared to face any threat as tensions in the Middle East escalate. This follows reports that Iranian forces are considering potential strikes against American military installations in Southeast Europe should the United States escalate military operations.

Specific locations identified as potential targets include Bulgaria and Cyprus. Bulgaria recently authorized the use of the Bezmer airbase by American refueling aircraft, while Cyprus is considered vulnerable due to the presence of British military assets, such as the Akrotiri base. In response to these developments, Greece is considering strengthening its air defenses by potentially moving Patriot missile batteries to Crete.

NATO officials emphasized the Alliance's strong defensive and deterrent capabilities, noting that its missile defense systems are designed to protect European territory and populations. The Alliance previously demonstrated operational readiness by intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles directed toward Turkey earlier this year. Additionally, reports suggest Tehran has considered scenarios involving attacks on undersea fiber optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz.