Former Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has called for a ground operation targeting a United States military base in the Middle East, suggesting that American service members be captured and taken to Iran.
According to a report by Anadolu Agency, Mottaki made the remarks while discussing what he described as possible responses to continued U.S. pressure on Iran amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Mottaki, who now serves as a member of Iran’s parliament, argued that Iran should adopt a more forceful approach toward the United States and proposed direct military action against a U.S. military installation in the region.
“My proposal is that we launch a ground attack on one of the US bases in the region, capture 100 Americans and bring them to Iran,” Mottaki said.
His comments come against the backdrop of continued diplomatic disputes and military tensions between the two countries. In recent months, Tehran and Washington have exchanged accusations over regional security issues, while U.S. military strikes on Iranian-linked targets have further heightened tensions.
Mottaki’s remarks have sparked debate within Iran over how the country should respond to pressure from the United States. While some political figures have advocated a tougher stance, it remains unclear whether his proposal reflects official Iranian government policy or his personal views.
Mottaki served as Iran’s foreign minister under former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and remains an influential figure in Iranian politics through his role in parliament. However, Iranian authorities have not publicly indicated that his proposal forms part of any government strategy.
International analysts have warned that any attempt to attack a U.S. military base or detain American service members could sharply escalate tensions in the region, increase the risk of a broader military confrontation, endanger both military personnel and civilians, and further undermine diplomatic efforts to reduce instability in the Middle East.
