Iran Issues Stark Warning as U.S. Involvement in Conflict Looms

Iran Issues Stark Warning as U.S. Involvement in Conflict Looms

Iran has issued a grave warning that the potential involvement of the United States in the ongoing conflict alongside Israel would trigger an “all-out war.” This declaration comes as Israeli forces continue to strike sites purportedly linked to Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities.

During an interview with Al Jazeera English, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized that any American intervention would catalyze widespread conflict in the region. He noted that the presence of thousands of U.S. troops in neighboring countries positioned them within the striking range of Iran’s military arsenal.

The United States has responded with threats of a robust retaliation to any provocations. Nonetheless, American officials have not provided specific details regarding their military strategies.

Iran Refuses to Abandon Nuclear Program

In a separate statement, Iran’s ambassador to Geneva, Ali Bahreini, reiterated the nation’s commitment to its contested nuclear program. He affirmed that Iran will persist in producing enriched uranium for peaceful purposes, dismissing claims that Israeli airstrikes would hinder the country’s nuclear research and development efforts.

Bahreini’s defiance signals Tehran’s intention to continue its nuclear trajectory despite international pressures. He affirmed, “Our scientists will continue their work,” in direct response to Israeli bombardments aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Reports indicate that Israeli warplanes carried out extensive strikes on Tehran overnight, while Iran responded by launching a limited barrage of missiles directed at Israel. Fortunately, preliminary reports suggest that there were no casualties from either side.

Strikes to Prevent Nuclear Development

The Israeli government claims that its military actions are necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Recent negotiations between the U.S. and Iran aimed at achieving a diplomatic resolution have shown little progress over the past two months. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump indicated that the military strikes by Israel were a response to a restrictive timeline he imposed on diplomatic discussions.

While Iran insists that its nuclear program is peaceful, it stands out as the only non-nuclear state enriching uranium to 60%, a short technical distance from weapons-grade levels of 90%. U.S. intelligence agencies have suggested that Iran is not currently pursuing nuclear weapons actively, countering widespread assumptions about its nuclear aspirations. Meanwhile, Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, although it has never openly confirmed such capabilities.

Military Developments and Casualties

This ongoing conflict has already brought significant casualties, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announcing the elimination of Ali Shadmani, identified as Iran’s “wartime chief of staff.” Shadmani’s short tenure lasted only four days, leaving his position rife with danger.

According to IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, significant military gains against the Iranian regime have occurred, including a focused shift of Iranian operations back into central Iran. He stated that Iranian forces are now primarily launching missile attacks from Isfahan, while the IDF targets military assets rather than civilian areas.

Despite these developments, Defrin acknowledged that the IDF is simultaneously engaged in combat with Hamas in Gaza, where numerous hostages are believed to be held under dire conditions. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to recovering these hostages.

Intensive Operations by Israeli Air Force

Recently, over 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets conducted extensive night operations, striking an Iranian centrifuge production facility that allegedly supports Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Defrin stated that these operations build upon previous military efforts targeting various components of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

The IDF confirmed it has targeted over 1,100 components linked to Iran, as Israeli airstrikes expand. Military actions have also included successful strikes against weapons and missile production sites across Tehran, with Israeli aircraft reportedly destroying five Iranian AH-1 attack helicopters at Kermanshah airport just this morning.

U.S. Military Movements and Diplomatic Tensions

As tensions escalate, the U.S. has repositioned assets in the Middle East, deploying additional warplanes to the region amid fears of wider hostilities. President Trump, after initially distancing himself from Israel’s aggressive military actions, has signaled potential for increased American involvement.

In a recent social media communication, Trump claimed that the U.S. possesses knowledge of the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader, stating they will not pursue a targeted strike at this time. He also reasserted the necessity for Iran’s “complete surrender” amidst ongoing military engagement.

Trump concluded with a bold statement regarding American aerial dominance in the skies over Iran, reinforcing U.S. military capabilities in the region.

Contributions to this report were made by Fox News’ Stephanie Simon and the Associated Press.