Iran warns hotels that accommodate U.S. soldiers could face attacks as tensions in the Middle East escalate. Iranian military officials have made it clear that any location sheltering American troops will be regarded as a legitimate target.
Abolfazl Shekarchi, a spokesman for Iran’s armed forces, told state television, “When all the Americans go into a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American. Should we stand by and allow the Americans to strike us? When we respond, we will naturally target wherever they are.” His remarks follow a surge of hostilities that began on February 28, when U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran ignited broader regional conflict. Since then, Iran has responded with drone and missile attacks on Israeli targets and American interests across the Middle East.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused U.S. forces of using civilians in Gulf countries as “human shields.” On X, he stated, “From the outset of this war, U.S. soldiers fled military bases in GCC countries to hide in hotels and offices.” He urged hotels in the region to deny accommodation to U.S. forces.
Reports from Iran’s Fars news agency indicate that Tehran has issued firm warnings to hotels, especially in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Officials also claim that American troops have been identified in similar locations in Syria, Lebanon, and Djibouti.
Iran has consistently accused neighboring countries of allowing U.S. forces to conduct attacks from their territory. Gulf states have rejected these claims, maintaining that neither their land nor their airspace has been used to strike Iran.
The warnings signal a growing willingness by Tehran to expand its military responses beyond traditional battlefields. Analysts suggest that this approach increases risks for civilians and regional infrastructure, while highlighting the precarious balance of power in the Gulf. For hotels and businesses in the area, the message is clear: the presence of foreign military personnel could have direct security consequences.
