NATO has said it is prepared to take whatever measures are necessary to protect its allies following reports that Iran has considered potential attacks on U.S. military installations in Europe.
According to the reports, Iranian authorities have examined scenarios involving strikes against American military facilities in Southeastern Europe if the United States further escalates its military operations in the region.
A NATO official said the alliance has strong defensive and deterrence capabilities and would respond to any threat against its members.
“NATO is prepared to deal with any threat and will always do what is necessary to protect all allies,” the official said.
The official also pointed to NATO’s air-defense efforts this year, saying the alliance had intercepted four ballistic missiles launched by Iran toward Turkey.
The reports indicate that U.S. military facilities in Southeastern Europe, including installations in Bulgaria, have been considered among potential targets in the event of a further escalation.
Iran is also reportedly examining other possible forms of retaliation. Among the scenarios under consideration is the possibility of targeting underwater fiber-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy and communications infrastructure.
The reported planning comes amid heightened regional tensions and concerns that any further expansion of the conflict could extend beyond the Middle East and directly affect U.S. military facilities and NATO member states in Europe.
NATO’s warning underscores the alliance’s position that an attack threatening an allied country or U.S. forces stationed on allied territory would be treated as a serious security challenge requiring a coordinated response.
