Concerns are growing that the U.S.–Iran confrontation could spread across the region after Iranian officials spoke of entering an “offensive phase” and warned countries allowing their territory to support American operations.

The warnings coincided with an unclaimed drone attack on two vessels at Egypt’s Damietta Port, raising questions about the possible expansion of the conflict and its impact on Cairo’s diplomatic efforts.

Signs of a Shifting Iranian Strategy

Fadahossein Maleki, a member of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said Tehran had moved beyond deterrence and entered an offensive phase. He also ruled out negotiations with the United States under the current conditions.

His remarks followed Iran’s launch of ballistic missiles toward an airbase and sites used by U.S. Central Command in Jordan. The Jordanian military said it intercepted five missiles, while U.S. forces reported shooting down all incoming projectiles.

Washington responded with a two-hour wave of strikes targeting dozens of IRGC sites, including command centers, missile and drone facilities, naval capabilities and coastal defenses.

Iranian officials have also warned that countries allowing their territory to be used for U.S. or Israeli operations could become military targets.

The statements do not constitute a formal declaration by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council or armed forces command. However, they align with increasingly forceful rhetoric about expanding the “geography of war” to American bases, maritime routes, energy facilities and countries supporting U.S. operations.

Warnings to Bulgaria and Cyprus

Against this backdrop, Tehran warned Bulgaria and Cyprus against allowing military bases on their territory to support American operations against Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova that the temporary deployment of U.S. military aircraft at Bezmer Air Base would facilitate operations against Iran. He urged Sofia to reconsider the decision.

Bulgaria’s parliament approved the deployment of up to eight U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft, around 250 military personnel and supporting equipment at the base until October 1, in a vote of 136 to 13.

The Bulgarian government said the aircraft would conduct logistical missions outside the country’s airspace and would not carry offensive weapons. It maintained that hosting them did not make Bulgaria a party to military operations.

In a separate call with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Araghchi urged Cyprus to prevent foreign military bases on the island from being used against Iran.

Kombos said Cyprus had received British assurances that the UK’s bases would not be used against any country, including Iran. Cyprus hosts two sovereign British military bases, including RAF Akrotiri, which was targeted by an Iranian drone in March.

Expanding the Confrontation

Iran’s warnings point to a strategy of widening pressure to military bases, logistical networks, maritime routes and countries hosting Western forces.

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a central part of this strategy. Tehran has moved from threatening to close the waterway to imposing shipping arrangements and attacking tankers it accused of using unauthorized routes.

The escalation has also extended to the nuclear issue, with Iranian lawmakers warning that attacks on nuclear facilities could prompt Tehran to reconsider its nuclear doctrine.

Despite the shift in rhetoric, Iran has not declared a full-scale offensive war and continues to link its operations to ongoing U.S. strikes. Regional mediation channels also remain active.

Damietta Attack Tests Cairo’s Diplomatic Role

Amid the escalation, two gas vessels were targeted by a drone at Damietta Port in northern Egypt, marking the first such attack against the country since the U.S.–Iran confrontation began.

The Egyptian government announced an investigation and said no group had claimed responsibility. The port authority reported that normal operations were continuing.

Former Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Orabi said the attack would not change Cairo’s position. He maintained that Egypt would respond firmly to any threat without being drawn into an uncontrolled confrontation.

Before the attack was officially announced, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate calls with Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The discussions focused on halting military operations, prioritizing political and diplomatic solutions and preventing the conflict from spreading.

Egypt previously participated in efforts that produced a temporary pause in fighting between Washington and Tehran in late June. Cairo is also hosting talks on implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire involving Qatar, Turkey and Hamas.

Former Egyptian diplomats argue that the Damietta incident could lead Cairo to intensify its de-escalation efforts and strengthen its defenses rather than abandon its diplomatic role.

Taken together, the developments suggest that Iran’s “offensive phase” is intended to broaden pressure and alter the balance of the confrontation rather than formally launch an open regional war. However, the expansion of threats to military bases, shipping routes and additional countries increases the risk that the conflict could move beyond the limits both sides have so far sought to maintain.