NEWS DESK (MNN); Iran has warned that European countries could become “legitimate targets” if they join the United States and Israel in military attacks against Tehran, as tensions continue to escalate following the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, issued the warning during a televised interview, saying that any European Union country that participates in military action alongside the United States and Israel would be considered part of the war.
He stated that if European nations become directly involved in the conflict, Iran would treat them as legitimate military targets. The remarks reflect Tehran’s growing concern over the possibility that Western countries may expand their support for the ongoing military campaign against Iran.
The warning comes amid the widening conflict that began when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets late last month. The attacks were aimed at weakening Iran’s military infrastructure and leadership, but they triggered retaliatory strikes from Tehran across the region.
Iran has since fired missiles and launched drone attacks targeting Israeli territory and locations in Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases. The conflict has raised fears of a broader regional war and drawn increasing attention from global powers.
Takht-Ravanchi emphasized that Iran does not seek to widen the conflict but would respond firmly if additional countries join the military campaign against it. According to him, any direct involvement by European nations would effectively make them parties to the war.
The Iranian government has repeatedly described the U.S.-Israeli strikes as an unprovoked act of aggression and a violation of international law. Tehran maintains that it is acting in self-defence while warning outside powers against further escalation.
Meanwhile, several European governments are debating their response to the conflict. While some countries have expressed diplomatic support for Washington and Tel Aviv, most European leaders have called for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Diplomats and analysts fear that direct European involvement in the conflict could significantly widen the war and transform it into a global confrontation. The Middle East is already experiencing heightened instability, with tensions spreading beyond Iran and Israel to neighbouring countries.
International observers say the situation remains highly volatile, with the risk that additional countries could become involved if hostilities continue to intensify.
Global financial markets have also reacted nervously to the growing crisis, particularly due to concerns about disruptions to energy supplies from the Middle East, which remains a critical source of global oil and gas exports.
Many international organisations and world leaders are urging urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. Analysts warn that without meaningful dialogue and de-escalation measures, the conflict could expand beyond the region and trigger wider geopolitical consequences.
For now, Iran has reiterated that it will continue to defend its sovereignty while warning foreign powers against joining the conflict alongside the United States and Israel.
