Iran vows a 'strong' response if US joins Israeli military action
Photo: Iran threatens the US over possible involvement in Israeli strikes (Getty Images)
Iran has warned the United States of a "strong" response if it directly intervenes in Israel's military campaign, says The Times of Israel.
According to Ali Bahreini, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Washington is already complicit in Israel's actions, as it provides technical assistance, including help with intercepting missiles.
"We will give the same response to the United States that we give to Israel. I am confident that [Iran’s military] will react strongly, proportionally, and appropriately. We are closely following the level of involvement in the US," the diplomat emphasized.
What is known
Bahreini said that Tehran is closely monitoring the extent of US involvement in the conflict.
"We will react whenever it is needed," he added.
Media reports citing US government sources state that Washington is not currently directly involved in the strikes but is expanding its military presence in the Middle East.
Israel, for its part, is deploying additional fighter jets and preparing for possible escalation.
In addition, US President Donald Trump stated that he is considering supporting Israel in the event of new strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. He also called on Iran for "unconditional surrender."
Iran's response
Amid Trump's statements and growing tensions in the Middle East, the Iranian diplomat described US rhetoric as "unfounded and extremely hostile."
"We will not show any reluctance in defending our people, security, and land – we will respond seriously and strongly, without restraint," Bahreini stressed.
Israel-Iran conflict
On the night of June 13, the Israeli Air Force carried out a massive strike on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities. The escalation followed the collapse of negotiations between Iran and the US on a new nuclear deal.
During the attack, at least 20 high-ranking officers and several specialists involved in Iran’s nuclear program were killed near Tehran. In the following days, the two sides exchanged hundreds of strikes, including the use of drones and missiles.
Throughout the operation, Israel launched around 250 strikes on 720 targets in Iran.
On the evening of June 15, Iran responded by launching attacks on Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa, rejecting a proposed peace agreement.
