Tehran has drafted contingency plans to target United States military assets in Europe if US President Donald Trump escalates the ongoing conflict, according to a report by a British daily newspaper citing sources close to the Iranian government.
The military assessments reportedly focus on potential strikes in southeastern European nations. Among the areas under consideration is Bulgaria, which recently approved the use of its Bezmer air base by American refueling aircraft. Greek-administered Southern Cyprus has also been identified as a potential target in the event of a renewed US offensive. Notably, a British air base located in Southern Cyprus was struck by a drone in March.
Beyond European soil, Iranian forces have explored targeting subsea fiber-optic cables running through the Strait of Hormuz if hostilities continue to intensify. One source close to the Iranian government stated that Tehran is preparing diverse options to broaden the scope of the war should President Trump act on previous threats to strike Iranian infrastructure. "Should the US go too far, Iran will defend itself at any price, go beyond the region and hit Europe too," the source warned.
These revelations emerge as diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked. Negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz have stalled, and hopes for fresh talks between Washington and Tehran have faded. On Tuesday, President Trump confirmed the diplomatic freeze, stating there are "no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled" with the Iranian government.
Iranian military officials have previously declared that any foreign military base utilized to launch operations against Iranian territory will be treated as a legitimate target. While military experts note that Iran possesses missiles capable of reaching southern and southeastern Europe, they point out that the weapons' accuracy and overall effectiveness could decrease at such extended ranges.
The current standoff follows the collapse of a memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran in June. Although that temporary agreement was intended to halt the war and establish a framework for a comprehensive treaty, it quickly unraveled amid mutual allegations of treaty violations and a resumption of active hostilities. Subsequent diplomatic initiatives have failed to secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or restart broader negotiations.
