Iran Warns Hotel Owners in Bahrain and UAE Against Harboring US Troops

Tehran. Iran has warned hotel owners in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that there could be negative consequences if they accommodate American soldiers in their hotels, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency on Thursday.

According to the agency's report, US soldiers have currently taken refuge in some hotels in the region as a result of Iranian missile attacks and joint operations with regional allied groups. The warning stated that if the presence of foreign soldiers continues at any location, the impact could be felt immediately.

Iran stated that it is wrong for US soldiers to seek refuge in civilian locations, as this poses a risk to regional security. The report indicated that US soldiers maintain a presence in locations such as the logistics base near the old airport, the Republic Palace in Damascus, the Four Seasons, and the Sheraton Hotel.

Earlier this week, US Marines were relocated from Istanbul and Sofia to Djibouti International Airport. Iran's Foreign Minister, Sayyed Abbas Araghchi, warned hotels in Gulf Arab countries against accommodating US soldiers. He wrote on social media platform X, "Since the beginning of the war, US soldiers have been leaving their bases and taking refuge in hotels and offices, using local civilians as 'human shields'." Araghchi urged hotels in Gulf countries to adopt similar security standards, drawing a comparison with US practices.

In the background, on February 28, a joint attack by Israel and the US on Tehran and other Iranian cities resulted in the deaths of the then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders, and civilians. Iran subsequently launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US bases and tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, halting the movement of Israeli and US vessels.

This move has further escalated Iran's military warnings and regional tensions. Experts have warned that if hotels fail to prevent the accommodation of US soldiers, it could increase potential risks.