Iran is closely monitoring developments across neighboring countries, with particular attention focused on Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Syria, Iranian sources familiar with Tehran’s regional security assessments told The Levant Files.
The sources said the Islamic Republic is increasingly concerned that its neighbors could provide the United States and Israel with military, logistical or intelligence opportunities that might be used against Iranian territory. Although Tehran continues to convey many of its concerns through diplomatic and security channels, the sources warned that further hostile activity originating from neighboring states could prompt a severe response.
Iranian frustration appears particularly pronounced toward Azerbaijan, whose expanding relations and cooperation with Washington and Israel are being scrutinised closely in Tehran.
“This is a situation that we constantly monitor,” one source said. “We have already delivered the necessary precautionary messages to Baku through diplomatic and security channels. What we demand is clear: do not provide the enemy with opportunities to harm the Islamic Republic.”
The source did not disclose the precise content of the communications sent to Azerbaijan or identify the activities that had prompted Tehran’s latest warnings. However, the remarks suggest that Iran expects Baku to prevent its territory, infrastructure and institutions from being used in operations targeting the Islamic Republic.
Iranian concerns also extend to the Gulf, particularly Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. According to the sources, US forces and associated assets operating from these countries have recently been involved in attacks against Iranian coastal areas and cities.
“We have martyrs because of the wrong decisions taken by some bureaucrats and diplomats in neighboring countries,” one source told TLF. “We hope the other side will not repeat this wrongful act in the near future. Otherwise, our response will be severe.”
The warning reflects Tehran’s position that governments hosting US military installations cannot distance themselves entirely from operations conducted from their territory. The sources nevertheless indicated that Iran is still seeking to discourage further involvement through direct warnings rather than immediately expanding the confrontation.
In Iraq, meanwhile, Tehran’s attention remains concentrated primarily on developments in the Kurdish region. Information available in the Iranian capital suggests that some US and Israeli civilian and military officials continue to view Iran’s ethnic minorities—particularly Kurds and Azeris—as potential instruments for provoking internal unrest.
Iran’s security establishment is therefore actively monitoring and pursuing what the sources described as “terrorist cells” operating inside Iraq, especially across the territory administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government. The sources portrayed these efforts as a defensive campaign intended to prevent armed groups from infiltrating Iran or exploiting domestic tensions.
Tehran’s message concerning Syria was equally uncompromising. Iranian sources warned that the interim authorities in Damascus should not seek international legitimacy or financial assistance through policies that undermine Iran or its regional partners.
“The interim government in Damascus must not pursue dangerous avenues in the region in exchange for international recognition and financial support,” one source said. “It must respect its neighbors and the Axis of Islamic Resistance.”
Taken together, the statements reveal an Iranian security establishment increasingly focused on the country’s immediate surroundings. Tehran appears determined to prevent neighboring territories from becoming platforms for American or Israeli pressure—and is signaling that it may hold regional governments directly responsible if they facilitate future attacks against the Islamic Republic.