NATO says it is ready to confront any threat and take all necessary measures to protect its allies, following reports that Iran has considered striking US military targets in Europe if Donald Trump escalates the war.
The alliance’s response came after the Financial Times reported that Tehran had reviewed its options for possible attacks against US military installations on European soil if the US escalates military operations.
Asked by Reuters about the report, a NATO official assured that the alliance has a strong defensive and deterrent capability.
“NATO is prepared to face any threat and will always do what is necessary to protect all allies,” he said.
The official cited NATO air defense operations earlier in 2026 as an example, when, he said, ballistic missiles aimed at Turkey were repeatedly intercepted.
“As demonstrated earlier this year, when NATO air defenses successfully intercepted four ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards Turkey, our deterrent and defensive posture is strong and effective,” he said.
Iran has considered expanding the war beyond the Middle East, even striking US military targets in Europe, if Donald Trump escalates the conflict, according to people close to the Iranian regime who spoke to the Financial Times.
Two sources familiar with the discussions told the FT that Iranian forces have assessed scenarios for attacks on US military installations in southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria. Sofia last month approved the use of the Besmer air base by US refueling planes.
One of the sources said that possible targets for retaliation in the event of a new American attack include Cyprus, where the British base in Akrotiri was hit by a drone in March. At the same time, according to the same information, the Iranian armed forces have separately considered the possibility of attacking underwater fiber-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict escalates further./Top Channel