Iranian Media Warns of Expanding Conflict to European Soil
State-linked outlets identify US bases across Europe as potential targets for Iranian military retaliation.
1Threats Against European Bases
Iranian newspapers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have published lists of US military installations across Europe. The Hamshahri daily featured a map identifying bases in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Romania, Greece, Albania, and Portugal as targets. This follows recent US strikes on Qeshm Island, escalating tensions between the two nations.
2Confrontation Without Geographical Limits
Iran has adopted a new military strategy described as confrontation without geographical limits. The Kayhan daily warned that if peace conditions are not met, the battle geography will expand to the heart of Europe. This doctrine marks a shift toward a more direct and offensive military posture against the US and its allies.
3US Midterm Election Analysis
Iranian media outlet Khabar Online analyzed the impact of US midterm elections on ongoing military operations. Drawing parallels to 2006, the report warned that a change in congressional majority does not guarantee an immediate end to war. It noted that presidential veto powers often allow military campaigns to continue despite domestic political opposition.
4Historical Precedents for Conflict
The analysis of the 2006 US midterm elections highlights the difficulty of halting military operations through legislative shifts. During the Iraq occupation, despite Democratic victories, the US government maintained its military course. Iranian observers conclude that without political unity in Washington, congressional opposition remains insufficient to stop the president’s current military agenda.
5Israel's Strategic Objectives
Former Israeli negotiator Daniel Levy stated that Israel’s war against Iran, launched on 28 February, aimed to fragment the country. He compared this strategy to the destabilization seen in Iraq and Syria. Levy suggested that the goal was creating chaos rather than achieving a genuine regime change, which he deemed an unrealistic propaganda narrative.
6Use of Opposition Groups
Reports indicate that early in the conflict, weapons were supplied to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq. Israel allegedly supported figures like Reza Pahlavi as a temporary tool to foster internal instability. Levy argued that these efforts were designed to create chaos rather than establish a viable alternative government for the Iranian state.
7China's Role in Diplomacy
Tehran is exploring new diplomatic channels involving Beijing and Muscat to secure a potential ceasefire. Security official Ali Bagheri Kani recently visited Beijing to discuss parallel paths for negotiations. Iranian media suggests these consultations aim to assess the capacity of influential global powers to prevent further escalation of the ongoing regional crisis.
8Limits of International Mediation
While Iran engages with China, Russia, Qatar, and Pakistan, domestic outlets remain cautious about the effectiveness of these efforts. Conservative media emphasized that diplomatic statements of support are insufficient to curb US unilateralism. The ultimate success of these mediation attempts depends on practical actions taken by these powers to influence the conflict's trajectory.
Original article: Middle East Eye — Iranian Media Warns of Expanding Conflict to European Soil