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Iran Warns Bahrain, UAE Hotels Hosting US Troops Are Military Targets

Iran has issued a warning through its Fars news agency that hotels in Bahrain and the UAE hosting US military personnel could be considered legitimate military targets. The report claims US forces have moved into regional hotels and civilian sites following Iranian missile strikes. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused US soldiers of fleeing bases and using Gulf citizens as "human shields." This escalation follows February attacks by the US and Israel that killed senior Iranian figures, leading to Iranian retaliation and the blocking of strategic shipping lanes.

Key Points: Iran Ultimatum to Hotels Hosting US Troops in Gulf

  • Iran issues ultimatum to Gulf hotels
  • US troops using civilian sites as cover
  • Retaliation for US-Israel strikes in February
  • Strait of Hormuz shipping blocked
  • Regional tensions escalate
2 min read

Iran issues 'ultimatum' to Bahrain, UAE hotels hosting US troops: Report

Iran warns hotels in Bahrain and UAE hosting US military personnel could become legitimate targets, escalating Middle East tensions.

"From the outset of this war, US soldiers fled military bases in the GCC to hide in hotels and offices. - Seyed Abbas Araghchi"

Tehran, March 27

Iran has issued an "ultimatum" to hotel owners in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, warning that hosting US military personnel could make their properties legitimate military targets, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Fars reported that US forces have taken refuge in regional hotels following Iranian missile strikes and joint operations with allied militant groups that targeted American military infrastructure across the Middle East. The warning covers any facility hosting foreign military personnel and takes effect immediately if such activity continues, Xinhua news agency reported.

The report also claimed US personnel have established a presence 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. US Marines were reportedly moved this week to Djibouti International Airport via Istanbul and Sofia.

Earlier on Thursday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned hotels in Gulf Arab countries against accepting US military personnel, accusing the soldiers of fleeing their bases and using civilian sites as cover.

"From the outset of this war, US soldiers fled military bases in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) to hide in hotels and offices. They use GCC citizens as human shields," Araghchi wrote on the social media platform X. He compared the situation to hotels in the United States, which he claimed deny bookings to officers who may endanger customers, and urged Gulf hotels to adopt the same practice.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders, and civilians. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israel and US bases and tightened control of the Strait of Hormuz, blocking vessels affiliated with Israel and the United States.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The report says US personnel are using civilian sites as cover. If true, that's highly irresponsible and puts regular people at risk. Gulf hotels should indeed refuse such bookings, just like the minister said. Safety of civilians must come first.
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Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, we have vital interests in the Gulf—millions of our citizens work there, and our energy security depends on stability. This tit-for-tat between US and Iran is threatening the entire region's peace. Our government must engage with all sides to calm things down.
S
Sarah B
The article mentions the killing of Khamenei in February. That was a massive provocation. While Iran's ultimatum sounds harsh, one has to see it in the context of what they've suffered. The cycle of violence needs to stop.
V
Vikram M
Strait of Hormuz blockage is the real worry for us. If oil tankers are targeted, global prices will shoot up and our economy will feel the pinch. This isn't just a Middle East problem anymore.
M
Michael C
I have to respectfully disagree with the article's framing. Calling it an "ultimatum" from Iran makes it sound one-sided. The report itself states the US/Israel struck first, killing their leader. This is a conflict with actions on both sides.
A
Ananya R

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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