The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC, has warned that American facilities located in the United Arab Emirates could be treated as legitimate targets following a recent United States strike on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub in the Persian Gulf.
According to Iranian media reports, the warning was issued as a defensive response to what Tehran described as attacks on its territory and national sovereignty.
The IRGC said locations believed to host US military personnel or equipment in UAE cities could be targeted if hostilities continue.
In a statement circulated by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC said it reserves the right to respond to attacks by striking what it called the “origin of American missiles,” including ports, docks, and facilities linked to US forces in the Gulf state.
The military body also urged civilians in the UAE to exercise caution and avoid areas associated with US military operations.
They warned residents and workers to stay away from ports, dockyards, and locations linked to American military activities in order to prevent civilian casualties if further strikes occur.
The warning follows a US operation targeting military assets on Kharg Island, an area responsible for handling a significant portion of Iran’s oil exports.
Analysts noted that the strike represents a major escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.
Regional tensions have continued to rise in recent weeks, with Iran threatening retaliation against US interests and allied facilities across the Middle East if further attacks on its infrastructure take place.
Diplomatic relations between Iran and several Gulf countries, including the UAE, have also grown increasingly strained amid the expanding conflict and concerns over the presence of US military assets in the region.
