Iran has issued a warning to hotel owners in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, stating that hosting US military personnel could render their properties legitimate military targets. This ultimatum comes in response to US forces seeking refuge in regional hotels following Iranian missile strikes and joint operations with allied militant groups targeting American military infrastructure in the Middle East. The warning applies to any facility hosting foreign military personnel and is effective immediately if such activities persist, as reported by the semi-official Fars news agency.
US personnel have reportedly been identified at civilian sites across the region, including a logistics base near Beirut’s old airport and advisory operations at Damascus’ Republic Palace, the Four Seasons, and Sheraton hotels. Recent movements indicated that US Marines were relocated to Djibouti International Airport via Istanbul and Sofia. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had earlier cautioned hotels in Gulf Arab countries against accommodating US military personnel, accusing them of abandoning bases and using civilian locations as shields.
Highlighting the soldiers’ alleged actions, Araghchi emphasized how US troops had supposedly left military bases in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to seek refuge in hotels and offices. Drawing parallels, he mentioned US hotels denying bookings to officers who might pose risks to guests and urged Gulf hotels to adopt a similar stance. This warning follows joint attacks by Israel and the United States on Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28, resulting in casualties including Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military figures, and civilians. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against Israel and US bases while also tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz to block vessels associated with Israel and the United States.
