Tehran, Iran – Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States, United Kingdom, and France, stating that their military bases and ships in the region will be targeted if they assist in countering Iranian strikes against Israel. The warning comes as Tehran condemns ongoing nuclear talks with the U.S. as “unjustifiable” amid continued Israeli attacks on Iranian soil.
Read MOre : Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Israel After Deadly Attack
Iranian state media reported on Saturday that the government delivered the message following discussions about potential Western involvement in intercepting Iranian missile launches. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized the persistence of nuclear negotiations while Israel carries out what he called “barbarous” assaults on Iran.
Escalating Tensions After Israeli Strikes
The conflict intensified after Israel launched its largest-ever military operation against Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities and killing high-ranking commanders and scientists. Israel claims the strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
In response, Iran fired approximately 200 ballistic missiles in retaliatory strikes, with Israeli defenses intercepting many of them. Clashes also saw rockets launched from Gaza, further heightening regional instability.
U.S. forces reportedly assisted Israel in downing Iranian missiles, prompting Iranian officials to accuse Washington of backing the attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump praised Israel’s actions and warned of further escalation unless Iran agrees to scale back its nuclear program.
Human Toll and Regional Fallout
Iranian state TV reported that around 60 people, including 20 children, were killed in an Israeli strike on a residential complex, though Israeli officials disputed the figures. Meanwhile, Israel claimed to have hit over 150 targets across Iran.
Amid the violence, Iranian General Esmail Kosari suggested that Tehran might consider closing the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for global oil shipments—raising fears of wider economic disruption.
Nuclear Standoff Continues
Israel insists its strikes were aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with a military official stating that key facilities in Natanz and Isfahan were significantly damaged. However, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and compliant with international treaties, despite accusations of secrecy from the UN nuclear watchdog.
With U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in jeopardy, Tehran has called further dialogue “meaningless” unless Washington changes its stance. The next round of negotiations, scheduled for Sunday, remains uncertain as Iran weighs its next steps.
As the conflict threatens to draw in global powers, Gulf Arab states have called for restraint, while oil prices surged over concerns of prolonged instability in the region.
