Gulf countries have been cautioned by Iran against providing military assistance or logistical support to the United States, with Tehran warning that such actions could make them participants in U.S. military operations.
Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Ali Abdollahi, issued the warning on Wednesday, according to Mehr news agency.
Abdollahi said Iran would regard any assistance or facilitation provided to the U.S. military as participation in military operations against the Islamic Republic.
He also questioned the presence of a large number of US military aircraft, particularly refuelling planes, at regional bases, saying such deployments could not occur without the knowledge of host countries.
The Iranian military chief said Gulf states that had publicly pledged not to allow their territories to be used against Iran should be aware that Tehran was closely monitoring developments in the region.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with the USS George Washington aircraft carrier reportedly being redeployed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier is also reportedly being redeployed to the region to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, adding to the growing US military presence.
Iran has repeatedly warned that any country that directly or indirectly assists US military operations could face consequences, as Tehran maintains that regional states should not allow their territory to be used against it.
