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Iran weighs strikes on US assets in Europe as conflict fears mount

Tensions escalate following claims over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian officials viewing renewed war as inevitable

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Owen Mercer
Markets and Finance Editor
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Source: Financial Times · View original source
Iran eyes military targets in Europe if Trump escalates war, insiders say
Insiders report Tehran is proposing retaliatory military actions against American targets outside the Middle East

Insiders report that Iran is proposing retaliatory military actions against United States assets located outside the Middle East, including in Europe, as regional tensions continue to rise. The proposals emerge amid a broader strategic reassessment in Tehran, where many officials view the prospect of renewed conflict with the United States as inevitable.

The current escalation follows assertions by US President Donald Trump that the Strait of Hormuz will soon become United States territory. In response, Iran’s deputy foreign minister stated that the waterway “will remain Iranian,” directly rebuffing the claim. This diplomatic clash has intensified scrutiny on global maritime routes and energy supply chains.

According to reports from the Financial Times, the discussions within Iran regarding potential strikes on European targets are part of a broader strategy to deter further US escalation. The insider accounts suggest that Iranian leadership is considering options that extend beyond the immediate theatre of the Middle East, aiming to pressure US interests on a wider stage.

However, the specific nature and scope of these proposed retaliatory actions remain unclear in the available reporting. The accounts rely on insider perspectives, which may not reflect official state policy or finalised military decisions. Caution is required to distinguish between reported proposals and confirmed operational plans.

The sentiment in Tehran appears to be shifting towards a posture of preparedness for prolonged confrontation. With Trump’s claims regarding the Strait of Hormuz linked to reports of maritime incidents, including strikes on shipping, the risk of miscalculation has heightened. Iranian officials are reportedly preparing for a scenario where diplomatic channels have broken down entirely.

Market observers are closely monitoring the situation for signs of further instability in energy markets. Any concrete move towards striking US assets in Europe would represent a significant de-escalation of diplomatic norms and could trigger immediate volatility in global financial markets.

As of now, no official confirmation has been issued by the Iranian government regarding these proposals. The reports highlight the fragile state of relations between Tehran and Washington, with both sides adopting increasingly hardline positions over critical geopolitical chokepoints.

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