Iran has issued a sharp diplomatic warning to Cyprus and Bulgaria, cautioning both countries against permitting the United States to use military facilities on their soil for any potential operations targeting Iran. Tehran said that any nation enabling US military action would be considered a participant in aggression, signalling rising tensions amid ongoing regional instability.
According to Iran’s foreign ministry, the warning was delivered during separate phone calls between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his counterparts in Nicosia and Sofia. Araghchi stressed the “need to prevent hostile forces from using foreign military bases” in Cyprus for acts of aggression against Iran. He added that if a state allows its territory to be used for hostile military purposes, it “constitutes participation in an attack.”
The message comes as Washington continues to reposition assets across the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe, prompting concerns in Tehran that neighbouring states could become staging grounds for US operations. Iran’s statement reflects its long‑standing position that regional countries must avoid involvement in conflicts driven by external powers.
Cyprus responded by assuring Iran that British military bases on the island would not be used against any country, including Iran. Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos conveyed that the UK — which maintains sovereign base areas in Cyprus — had provided explicit guarantees on non‑involvement.
Bulgaria has not publicly disclosed details of its conversation with Araghchi, but Tehran’s remarks suggest similar warnings were issued.
The exchange highlights growing geopolitical friction as Iran seeks to deter neighbouring states from aligning with US military strategy. Analysts say Tehran’s messaging is aimed at preventing encirclement and signalling that any indirect facilitation of US action will carry diplomatic consequences.