• Iran formally warns the UN that all US and Israeli military bases, facilities, and assets in the region will be considered legitimate targets if Iran faces military aggression.
  • The warning comes in response to rhetoric from US President Donald Trump, whom Iran characterized as signaling "a real risk of military aggression."
  • Iran emphasizes it will respond "decisively and proportionately" while exercising its right of self-defense, urging the UN Security Council to act "without delay, before it is too late."

A Formal Warning to the United Nations

Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations sent a formal letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council presidency, stating that all US and Israeli military bases, facilities, and assets in the region would be considered legitimate targets if Iran faces military aggression. According to people familiar with the matter, the letter was delivered late Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions.

Efforts to de-escalate have hit a snag, with Iran citing a Trump social media post from February 18 referencing the potential use of military facilities at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in England to address Iranian threats. In the letter, Iran characterized this as signaling "a real risk of military aggression," prompting its stark warning. Without a diplomatic breakthrough, the region could edge closer to conflict.

Iran's Position and Regional Implications

In the letter, Iran stated it would respond "decisively and proportionately" to any military aggression while exercising its right of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. The letter emphasized that the United States would bear "full and direct responsibility" for any unpredictable consequences. Iran repeatedly stressed that it neither seeks tension nor war and will not initiate conflict, while urging the UN Security Council and Secretary-General to act "without delay, before it is too late."

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned in early February that any US strikes would trigger a "regional war" in the Middle East. This highlights the potential for broader regional conflict, particularly given US military presence across the Persian Gulf region in countries like Qatar and Bahrain, which host major American force contingents. Attempts to reach the Iranian mission for further comment were unsuccessful as of press time.

Diplomatic Efforts and Obstacles

Despite the confrontational language, Iran expressed commitment to diplomatic solutions and said it had engaged constructively in nuclear talks with the US. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio identified Iran's "insistence on not discussing ballistic missiles" as a significant obstacle to reaching a nuclear deal. Reports indicated Iran had agreed that it would "never, ever have nuclear material that will create a bomb" and allow full IAEA inspector access to nuclear sites, though disputes persist over enriched uranium stockpiles and ballistic weapons.

Market analysts note that geopolitical risks in the region have spiked, with oil prices showing volatility in recent sessions. The warning comes amid ongoing military operations, with the US and Israel announcing major strikes on Iran in early February 2026. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned these attacks as violations of its territorial integrity and national sovereignty, vowing to defend itself with "all their might and resources."