Iran’s armed forces have warned Gulf countries against providing assistance to the United States military, saying such support would amount to participation in US military operations against Iran.

Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi issued the warning on Wednesday, according to the Mehr news agency.

“We wish to warn that any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor US military amounts to participation in the US military operation,” Abdollahi said.

He questioned whether Gulf states could be unaware of US military activity in the region, particularly the presence of large numbers of military aircraft and refuelling planes at regional bases.

“It seems unlikely that such a large number of military aircraft, particularly refuelling aircraft, could be present at regional bases without knowledge of host countries,” he said.

Abdollahi also referred to statements by Gulf countries that they would not allow their territories to be used for attacks against Iran, saying Tehran was monitoring developments closely.

“The countries bordering the Persian Gulf, which have issued various statements saying they would not allow the United States to use their territory against Iran, should know that we are fully aware of the situation,” he said.

The warning comes amid heightened military tensions in the Middle East, with the USS George Washington aircraft carrier reportedly being redeployed to the region to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln.

According to the report, the move follows concerns over deteriorating living conditions for the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln.