From blowing up ships to closing Dubai airport – Eight ways Iran could exact revenge on US for General Soleimani killing
IRAN has vowed it will carry out bloody revenge attacks following the drone strike assassination of one of its top military commanders.
Analysts in the region claim the high-profile killing of General Qasem Soleimani means Tehran will be forced into striking back at the US.
Not to do so would be a sign of weakness which could scupper the enormous influence the Islamic Republic has gained in the region over the past four decades.
“Iran has to retaliate, and it will be a retaliation to restore the deterrence lost by this assassination,” said Kamel Wazne, a Beirut-based political analyst.
And the fiery war talk coming out of Tehran looks like any attack will come sooner rather than later.
Iran's defence minister Amir Hatami has already threatened the US with "crushing revenge" over Soleimani's "unjust assassination".
While its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei added "severe revenge awaits the criminals" behind the attack.
However, Tehran is fully aware the US has a huge military presence in the Middle East and Donald Trump has made it very clear he will unleash his arsenal if targeted.
Here are eight ways the Iranians could strike back with devastating effect...
SYRIA
Pro-Iranian militia could decide to target US bases and troops on the ground in battle-scarred Syria.
Pentagon officials are tight-lipped about how many military personnel it currently has in the country.
However, some estimates put the figure at around 800 - after Trump pulled thousands out in October.
The US garrison at Tanf, near the border with Jordan, is seen by some as a potential flash point.
LEBANON
It's feared Hezbollah militants may launch rocket attacks on UK and US military bases in Cyprus.
The pro-Iranian group could also target the US embassy and its personnel in Beit Aaoukar.
Its leader said today US troops would soon pay the price for the killing of General Soleimani.
"When the coffins of American soldiers and officers begin to be transported ... Trump and his administration will realise that they have really lost," said Hassan Nasrallah.
NORTHERN GULF
Iran could chooses to close the vital waterway to Iraqi and Kuwaiti tanker traffic using subs and mines.
It may also carry out missile and drone strikes on any vessels it believes have links to the West.
Two Royal Navy warships have already been ordered to the region putting them in the line of fire.
They will be accompanying British vessels to "take all necessary steps to protect ships and citizens."
YEMEN
Pro-Iranian Houthi rebels could fire missiles at oil facilities in Saudi Arabia - just over 500 miles away.
In October, the US sent additional troops to the wealthy kingdom amid mounting tensions with Iran.
The two feuding countries are currently involved in a long-running proxy war in Yemen.
In September, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a devastating drone attack in Saudi Arabia.
RED SEA
Houthi rebels could also target merchant ships travelling through the southern end of the Red Sea.
It's feared they could also launch ballistic missiles at a US base in Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa.
Camp Lemonnier is a United States Naval Expeditionary Base which is home to its Africa Command.
The entire highly-secretive 500-acre camp is virtually dedicated to counter-terrorism activities.
IRAQ
It's feared pro-Iranian militia may decide to launch bloody attacks on US bases and UK troops.
There are currently an estimated 6,000 American troops stationed across the war-torn country.
Tensions are already extremely high in Iraq, which is stuck in the middle of the US-Iran face-off.
On Friday, the US State Dpartment ordered all American citizens to leave the country immediately.
STRAITS OF HORMUZ
This vital waterway has already been pinpointed by Iran as one of the places it may target first.
“Thirty five vital American positions are within reach," said General Gholamali Abuhamzeh.
“A large number of American destroyers and warships cross the Strait of Hormuz," he then added.
In August, Iran bragged its gunships had chased a Royal Navy warship through Straits.
DUBAI AIRPORT
Tehran could close down bustling Dubai Airport by threatening to shoot down civilian aircraft.
It could take out passenger jets with surface-to-air missiles and drones launched from southern Iran.
Experts have already told Westerners to get out of the United Arab Emirates immediately.
An estimated 90 million passengers use the airport every year, including many Brit tourists.