Iran warns of retaliation against U.S. bases if new attack occurs

Iran's central military command warned on Sunday that any new attack by the United States and its allies would trigger sustained retaliation against U.S. bases and interests in the region, and that regional partners of Washington would be treated as parties to the conflict. The statement, broadcast on state media, did not provide details about the alleged U.S. plans.

The U.S. State Department had issued a security alert on Saturday, advising Americans of a potential escalation in the Middle East and urging heightened vigilance, including possible flight cancellations and airspace restrictions.

The warning comes amid heightened tensions following recent drone and missile strikes in Saudi Arabia claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement. The Houthis said they struck Riyadh and an oil facility in Yanbu, and video showed smoke over Riyadh’s main airport after the reported explosions. Saudi officials have not confirmed the attacks, though a Saudi-led coalition said it had thwarted other Houthi attempts.

The Houthi advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast have brought them close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping chokepoint, while Iran continues to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Both blockades have constrained global oil flows and contributed to rising energy prices.

Negotiations for a ceasefire that began in June have stalled, and Iran reiterated that it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its interpretation of the agreement’s terms is met.