In its first response to recent U.S. evacuation orders from several of its missions in the region, Iran’s delegation to the United Nations firmly condemned America’s role in stoking regional instability, stating that the legacy of U.S. Central Command lies in arming aggressors and enabling Israeli war crimes — stripping Washington of any credibility to speak of peace or nuclear non-proliferation.
The Iranian mission added:
“Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons. It is U.S. militarisation that continues to inflame regional instability.”
Earlier today, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran’s Minister of Defense, issued a stark warning, declaring that American military bases across the region will be targeted if nuclear talks collapse or conflict breaks out with Washington.
Speaking to reporters, Nasirzadeh reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, expressing hope for progress in the negotiations with the U.S. Yet he made clear that Iran is fully prepared to respond if provoked:
“If conflict is imposed on us, our enemy’s losses will undoubtedly outweigh ours. In that case, the U.S. must leave the region. All its bases fall within our range — we can strike them, and we will, across all host countries without hesitation.”
This statement follows a report by The Associated Press, citing U.S. officials, that the State Department ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel and their families from American embassies in Baghdad, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Meanwhile, Pentagon officials confirmed that U.S. Central Command is closely monitoring the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reportedly authorised the voluntary departure of military families stationed at CENTCOM facilities in the region.
Officials emphasised that “the safety of CENTCOM personnel and their families remains a top priority,” and noted that CENTCOM is “coordinating with the State Department and regional allies to maintain operational readiness.”
These developments come amid growing friction between Washington and Tehran, as nuclear negotiations continue to stall and diplomatic efforts falter.
In a related move, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an advisory warning to vessels in the region, citing rising tensions that could lead to increased military activity affecting commercial sailors.
The advisory urged vigilance in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran was not mentioned by name, these strategic waterways have previously witnessed Iranian seizures of vessels and maritime confrontations.
