Iran warned on Wednesday that it would respond firmly to any direct U.S. involvement in Israel’s military campaign, as tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv escalated sharply.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, told reporters that Tehran views the United States as “complicit in what Israel is doing” and has conveyed a clear message to Washington that any direct action would trigger a strong Iranian response.
Israel launched its largest-ever air campaign against Iran on Friday, claiming Tehran was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon. So far, the U.S. role has been limited to indirect actions, including intercepting missiles aimed at Israel and deploying additional fighter aircraft to the Middle East, according to three U.S. officials cited by Reuters.
“We will show no doubt, no reluctance in defending our people, in defending our security, in defending our land. We will respond very, very, very seriously and strongly... Nobody should expect Iran to show any kind of restraint,” Bahreini said.
The Iranian envoy also said that Tehran would respond strongly to further Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported thousands of people fleeing Tehran and other major cities on Wednesday, as both countries exchanged fresh missile attacks despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls for Tehran’s unconditional surrender.
The Israeli military said that two waves of Iranian missiles targeted Israel early Wednesday, with explosions heard over Tel Aviv.
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