Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States, United Kingdom, and France, stating that any involvement in helping Israel repel Iranian strikes will result in their military bases and naval assets being targeted. The warning comes as Tehran vows retaliation for what it describes as the most devastating Israeli assault on its territory since the Iran-Iraq war.
Iran’s UN envoy confirmed that 78 people, including civilians, were killed in Israel’s Friday airstrikes that targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and military command structures. Among the dead were top nuclear scientists and at least 20 military commanders, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami.
‘Tehran Will Burn’: Israel and Iran Continue Direct Confrontation
Israel launched what it called “Operation Rising Lion” on Friday, a massive air campaign aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and eliminating senior leadership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that “more is on the way” and urged Iranian citizens to rise against their clerical regime.
The offensive destroyed sections of the Natanz nuclear site and killed several of Iran’s leading scientists. Iran responded by firing nearly 200 ballistic missiles in four waves, some of which struck Israeli residential areas despite interception efforts. At least three Israelis were killed, and dozens were wounded, including a critically injured woman in Tel Aviv.
Iran Threatens Wider War as West Calls for Restraint
Amid rising tensions, Iranian Foreign Ministry officials stated that nuclear talks with Washington were now “meaningless.” Iran’s newly appointed Revolutionary Guards commander, Major General Mohammad Pakpour, vowed revenge, declaring in a televised statement: “The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime.”
In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that “Tehran will burn” if attacks continue. One Iranian missile managed to breach Israel’s Iron Dome, hitting central Tel Aviv. Israeli emergency services confirmed casualties in Rishon LeZion and Tel Aviv, where buildings were struck, and a baby was rescued from rubble.
West Caught in the Middle as Israel Acts Alone
Despite the scale of the conflict, the UK and US denied any direct involvement in Israel’s strikes. British officials confirmed that the UK was only informed of the operation after it had begun. Nevertheless, US forces assisted in intercepting some of the incoming Iranian missiles targeting Israel.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, urging a diplomatic resolution. He joined France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz in urging restraint. Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation as a “moment of grave peril” and appealed to Iran’s leadership for de-escalation.
As the conflict shows no signs of abating, fears are growing of a regional war with global implications. Both sides appear committed to continued military escalation, with diplomatic efforts failing to gain traction.
