Archive · 19 Aug 2026
NATO Vows to Defend Allies Amid Reported Iran Threats
NATO says it is ready to protect all of its member countries.
This follows a report that Iran may consider attacking American military locations in Europe.
The reported targets include places in Bulgaria and Cyprus.
The report also says Iran looked at possibly attacking underwater internet cables near the Strait of Hormuz.
NATO says its defence system is strong.
NATO also said it stopped suspected Iranian missiles heading toward Türkiye four times earlier this year.
Iran denied launching those missiles at the time.
The reported plans have not been presented as confirmed attacks.
NATO said it is prepared to address any threat and defend all its allies.
The Financial Times reported that Iran has considered attacking US military targets in Europe.
Potential targets reportedly include US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus.
Iranian forces allegedly explored attacks on subsea cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict widens.
NATO said its defences intercepted suspected Iranian ballistic missiles heading toward Türkiye four times earlier this year.
- Who
- NATO, Iran, the United States, and President Donald Trump are central to the report.
- What
- NATO pledged to defend its allies after reports that Iran was considering attacks on US military targets in Europe.
- When
- The NATO statement was made on Wednesday; the reported missile interceptions and drone attacks occurred in March earlier this year.
- Where
- Potential targets reportedly include US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus, while possible subsea cable targets are in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- The reported planning was linked to the possibility that President Donald Trump could escalate the war or that the conflict could widen.
NATO and Allied Defence Position
Reported Iranian Considerations
Threat assessment
NATO and Allied Defence Position
NATO said it is prepared to address any threat and described its deterrence and defence posture as strong and effective.
Reported Iranian Considerations
The Financial Times reported, citing people close to Iran's regime, that Iran had considered attacks on US military targets in Europe if the war escalated.
Potential military targets
NATO and Allied Defence Position
NATO emphasized its readiness to defend all allies, without confirming that an attack plan had been finalized.
Reported Iranian Considerations
The report identified US assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus as possible targets.
Regional escalation
NATO and Allied Defence Position
NATO cited previous interceptions of suspected Iranian missiles and said it would take necessary defensive action.
Reported Iranian Considerations
The report said Iranian forces had explored attacking subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz if the conflict widened.
- NATO position
- The alliance said it is prepared to address any threat and take necessary action to defend all allies.
- Reported potential targets
- US military assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus.
- Other reported target
- Subsea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz.
- NATO missile interceptions
- NATO said its air defences intercepted suspected Iranian ballistic missiles heading toward Türkiye on four occasions earlier this year.
- Bulgaria
- Bulgaria had approved use of Bezmer airbase for US refuelling aircraft.
- Cyprus
- Cyprus hosts a British military base that was struck by a drone in March.
- Iran's response
- Iran denied launching the missiles that were reportedly headed toward Türkiye.