Iran's armed forces chief has warned Persian Gulf nations that providing assistance to US military operations would be considered participation in the conflict, as tensions escalate in the region.

Iran's armed forces chief of staff Ali Abdollahi issued a stern warning to Gulf states on Wednesday, cautioning that any support provided to United States military forces would constitute direct involvement in ongoing hostilities. According to reports from Iran's Mehr news agency, Abdollahi stated that facilities, assistance, or logistical support given to American forces would be viewed as participation in US military operations.

Abdollahi specifically drew attention to the presence of military aircraft in regional bases, including refuelling planes, suggesting that such concentrations of aircraft could not be maintained without the knowledge and cooperation of host nations. He called out countries bordering the Persian Gulf that have publicly declared they would not permit US forces to operate from their territories, asserting that Iran maintains full awareness of military activity in the region.

The warning reflects heightened tensions following the outbreak of conflict between Iran and the United States on February 28, which began after reported US-Israeli attacks on Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation through missile and drone strikes on American bases across the Middle East. Meanwhile, the USS George Washington aircraft carrier is being repositioned to the region to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has reportedly experienced deteriorating conditions for its crew.