Reports indicate that Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States, threatening a firm response if the U.S. becomes directly involved in Israel’s military campaign. This was communicated to Washington by Ali Bahreini, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, on Wednesday.
Bahreini conveyed to reporters his perception of the U.S. as “complicit in what Israel is doing.” Iran, he stated, would delineate a red line and respond if the United States crosses it, though he did not specify what actions would elicit such a response.
Israel initiated an air war on Friday, claiming evidence that Iran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon, a claim Iran denies. U.S. President Donald Trump subsequently called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” on Tuesday.
According to Bahreini, Trump’s remarks were “completely unwarranted and very hostile.” He stated that Iran could not ignore these comments and would consider them in its future actions and assessments. The significance becomes clear when we think that the U.S. has so far only taken indirect actions, including aiding in intercepting missiles fired toward Israel, and is deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East.
“I am confident that [Iran’s military] will react strongly, proportionally, and appropriately. We are closely following the level of involvement in the U.S … We will react whenever it is needed,” Bahreini said.
This development follows earlier reports that thousands of people were fleeing Tehran and other major cities on Wednesday. Iranian media reported new missile strikes launched by Iran and Israel against each other.
The facts, as we now know them, point to escalating tensions in the Middle East. With Iran’s stern warning to the U.S., the situation is poised to evolve rapidly. Stay tuned, we will keep you updated on future developments.
