Former Iranian FM Calls for Kidnapping US Soldiers from Middle East Bases

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has called for Iran to launch a ground war against the United States, seize a US military base in the Middle East, kidnap thousands of US soldiers, and take them hostage in Iran as retaliation for strikes. The statement was made in a public address and has been reported by regional media. Mottaki served as foreign minister from 2005 to 2010 and remains a prominent political figure in Iran. The remarks escalate rhetoric between the two nations, which have been engaged in a long-standing conflict involving proxy forces and nuclear negotiations. No official Iranian government response has been issued, and the proposal is not currently backed by any known military planning.

Global Impact

Politically, the statement strains already tense US-Iran relations and could undermine any diplomatic progress on the nuclear file. Geopolitically, it raises the risk of a direct military engagement in the Middle East, potentially drawing in regional allies and adversaries.