Financial Times Report: Iran Considers Striking US Targets in Europe if Tensions Escalate

The Financial Times reported, citing two sources close to the Iranian regime, that Tehran has considered striking US military targets in Europe if President Donald Trump escalates the war. The sources stated that Iranian forces have assessed potential attacks on US assets in southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria, which last month approved the use of its Bezmer air base for American refueling aircraft. Cyprus was also identified as a potential target for retaliation in the event of renewed US attacks; a British air base there was struck by a drone in March. Furthermore, the sources indicated that Iranian forces have examined the possibility of striking subsea fiber-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz. One insider told the newspaper that Iran would place “no limits” on its response and would go beyond the region to hit Europe if the US “goes too far.” This report comes as Trump has shifted away from efforts to advance negotiations with Tehran. CNN reported that Trump ordered senior envoys to halt talks with Iran, and the President later wrote on Truth Social that there were “no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled” with Iran. Washington is expected to impose additional sanctions while maintaining a naval blockade, with Trump and his advisers believing that sustained economic pressure will eventually force Tehran to accept US terms.