Iran told U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres it would consider bases, facilities and assets of any "hostile force" in the region to be legitimate targets if Tehran faces military aggression. The Iranian mission said President Trump’s rhetoric "signals a real risk of military aggression," while stressing Iran does not seek a war. The letter added that Tehran would respond "decisively" to any military attack.
Iran Warns U.N. It Will Treat Regional Bases As Legitimate Targets If Attacked
FILE PHOTO: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a press conference outlining his priorities for 2026 at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., January 29, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo
WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) — In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iran warned that if it faces military aggression it will regard bases, facilities and assets belonging to any "hostile force" in the region as legitimate targets.
The letter, sent by Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, singled out rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump as raising the risk of conflict, saying it "signals a real risk of military aggression." At the same time, Tehran stressed it does not seek war.
"Iran will respond 'decisively' if subjected to military aggression," the letter said.
The warning underscores heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington and highlights potential escalatory consequences for any strike on regional forces. The letter was reported by Reuters.
(Reporting by Jasper Ward and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese)
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