Pakistan, Jan. 14 -- Iran has issued stern warnings to United States allies in the Middle East, saying it could strike American military bases on their soil if Washington launches a direct attack on Iranian territory amid rising tensions. Tehran's message, delivered to nations hosting U.S. forces, underscores growing fears of a wider confrontation that could reshape regional security.

The warning comes as protests in Iran escalate into one of the largest challenges to the clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with the death toll approaching 2,600 amid nationwide unrest. Iranian officials say they fear U.S. intervention following repeated threats from Washington to act if violent crackdowns continue.

According to sources...