Iran news outlet posts images of US bases as tensions remain high

A prominent Iranian news agency has in recent days published without comment images of US bases in the Middle East as tensions remain high between Tehran and Washington despite the prospect of direct talks.

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Iran in the wake of its deadly crackdown on protests, and if Tehran fails to agree to a deal to restrict its nuclear program.

Iranian officials have repeatedly threatened immediate retaliation against Israel and US targets if there is an attack, pointing to American military bases in the Gulf as potential targets.

With talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff expected this week, Iran’s Fars news agency, seen as close to the country’s security forces, has for two days in a row published images of US bases in the region.

The images carry no comment and only the day of the week and the date according to the Persian calendar.

The picture for yesterday showed an aerial view of the Al Dhafra air base outside Abu Dhabi, which is used by US and French forces.

Today, meanwhile, Fars showed the Isa Air Base in US ally Bahrain, where US planes have also deployed.

There was no immediate suggestion the images published by Fars represented fresh intelligence.

AFP has confirmed the images of the Isa air base are old. Also, according to satellite images reviewed by AFP, as of February 3 there was no massive deployment of aircraft at the base of Al Dhafra.

With tensions still not abating, a new billboard appeared in Tehran showing American planes crashed into a hillside with Iranians flying the flag of the Islamic Republic above.