August 19, 2026 | 09:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Iran has considered striking US military assets in southeastern Europe if US President Donald Trump further escalates the war, raising the prospect of the conflict spreading beyond the Middle East, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, as cited by Anadolu.
Citing two people close to the Iranian government, the British newspaper reported that Iranian forces had assessed potential strikes on US assets in southeastern European countries, including Bulgaria, which last month approved the use of its Bezmer air base by US refueling aircraft.
Cyprus has also reportedly been considered a potential target in the event of a renewed US offensive, according to one of the sources. A British air base on the island was hit by a drone in March.
Iranian forces have separately examined the possibility of targeting subsea fiber-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict escalates further, according to the report.
One source told the Financial Times that Tehran was preparing options to expand the conflict if Trump followed through on previous threats to attack 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 said, as quoted by Anadolu.
NATO Warns It Is Ready to Respond
Accroding to Anadolu, NATO said Wednesday that it was prepared to address any threat following the reports of potential Iranian strikes on US military assets in Europe.
“NATO is prepared to address any threat and will always do what is necessary to defend all Allies,” a NATO official told Anadolu in a written statement.
The official also pointed to NATO's air defense operations earlier this year, when ballistic missiles heading toward Türkiye from Iran were intercepted on four separate occasions.
“As demonstrated earlier this year when NATO air defences successfully intercepted ballistic missiles heading to Türkiye from Iran on four separate occasions, our deterrence and defence posture is strong and effective,” the statement said.
Strait of Hormuz Talks Remain Stalled
The reports come as negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain stalled and prospects for renewed talks between Tehran and Washington have dimmed.
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that there were “no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled” with Tehran.
Iranian military officials have previously warned that any military base used to launch attacks against Iranian territory could be considered a target.
The Financial Times also cited military experts as saying Iran has missiles capable of reaching parts of southern and southeastern Europe, although their effectiveness and accuracy could decline at longer ranges.
Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending the war and paving the way for a broader agreement. The arrangement later broke down amid mutual accusations of violations and renewed hostilities.
Diplomatic efforts have since failed to produce a breakthrough on reopening the Strait of Hormuz or resuming negotiations toward a broader agreement.
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