The speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has issued a stark warning about the presence of United States military bases across the Middle East. According to Ghalibaf, these bases “do not protect anyone they are a threat”, and the U.S. prioritises the security of Israel above all else, sacrificing regional interests in the process.
What Ghalibaf Is Saying
Iran’s top legislator framed the issue as more than politics: the U.S. military footprint in the Gulf and wider region, including countries like Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, is actively destabilising rather than protective.
He emphasised that these bases are used primarily to safeguard Israel and to project American influence, rather than ensuring the safety of host nations or local populations.
The Regional Context
While Washington argues these bases maintain security and protect trade routes, Iranian officials see them as provocative installations that escalate tensions. The recent rise in conflicts between Iran and Israel, along with U.S. military operations in nearby Gulf states, underscores why Tehran views the presence of foreign forces as a potential trigger for conflict.
Implications for the Middle East
For everyday people in the region, the statement highlights a fundamental tension: security measures intended to protect can sometimes increase vulnerability. For policymakers, it is a reminder that military presence alone cannot guarantee stability if rival powers interpret it as a threat.
The warning from Ghalibaf may influence future diplomacy, negotiations over foreign bases, and regional military planning, especially as tensions remain high.
Sources: Remarks reported by Al Jazeera and corroborated by international media quoting Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on U.S. bases and Middle East security.
