Tehran, Iran. Iran warned on Friday that European countries could become “legitimate targets” if they join military operations alongside the United States and Israel, as tensions around the widening Middle East conflict escalate.
Warning issued in interview
Iran’s deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi delivered the warning in an interview with France 24, cautioning European governments against direct involvement in the war.
“We have already informed the Europeans and everyone else that they should be careful not to get involved in this aggressive war,” he said.
Retaliation threat for participation in attacks
Takht-Ravanchi said any country participating in attacks against Iran would face retaliation from Tehran.
“If any country participates in aggression against Iran, certainly they will also be legitimate targets for Iranian retaliation,” he said.
Concerns over conflict expansion
The remarks come amid growing international concern that the US-Israeli conflict with Iran could expand beyond the immediate region.
Western governments have been assessing possible military or logistical support for allied operations, while European naval and air assets have increased their presence across parts of the eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf.
Iran reiterates warning against outside intervention
Iran has repeatedly warned that outside intervention would widen the conflict and trigger a broader regional confrontation.
Tehran says its response would target any state directly involved in attacks against the country, raising concerns in European capitals that deeper participation could expose them to military retaliation.
How might European governments respond to Iran’s warning about potential retaliation?