Iran warns of harsh response if US enters war

As mutual attacks between Iran and Israel, which began on June 13, continue to escalate tensions in the region, the US is signaling its potential involvement in the war. The Iranian government has threatened the US with a harsh response in such a scenario.

Ambassador Ali Bahreyni, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, stated, “If at any point we conclude that the US is directly involved in attacks against Iran, we will begin to respond to the US.”

Bahreyni met with journalists from the Association of Accredited Correspondents at the United Nations (ACANU) in Geneva to discuss the conflict that started with Israel’s attacks on Iran.

Recalling that the Israeli regime has been conducting attacks on Iran since June 13, Bahreyni remarked, “This is Israeli aggression targeting civilians, women, children, civilian infrastructure, and even our country’s peaceful nuclear facilities. During these attacks, hundreds of innocent people, including many children and women, have been killed. There is a great danger surrounding our peaceful nuclear facilities, not only in Iran but also due to the potential exposure of people in our region to dangerous leaks.”

Bahreyni criticized the financial, logistical, and military support provided to Israel by the US and many other Western countries.

Stating that Israel attacked Iran without provocation, Bahreyni said, “During these attacks, Israel violated the principles of discrimination, proportionality, and public notification by targeting civilians. Israel has violated all norms of international law and human rights. Iran is determined to respond to Israeli attacks. We will show no doubt or hesitation in defending our people, our security, and our territory. We will respond very seriously and forcefully. This is what we are doing now. We cannot focus on anything other than defending ourselves.”

Bahreyni pointed out that the US is complicit in Israel’s actions, adding, “Without the US, Israel is nothing. Whatever Israel does, it does with the military and intelligence support of the US. We will monitor the actions of the US. If at any point we conclude that the US is directly involved in attacks against Iran, we will begin to respond to the US.”

Noting that the UN Security Council and other international organizations have failed to stop the crimes committed by Israel during this process, Bahreyni said that these international bodies have lost their reason for existence.

Bahreyni emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful.

‘If our red lines are crossed, there will be a response’

In response to a question from Anadolu Agency about whether he views US President Donald Trump’s recent statements on the tensions as an intervention, Bahreyni replied:

“Yes, we are monitoring the statements of US officials, including the US President. We see these as irresponsible attitudes toward the challenges facing Iran, and we believe that US policy toward Iran has been hostile for the last 40 years. This is not new. US threats against Iran are not new. It is clear that the US has a hostile attitude toward Iran. Iran has previously stood against the arrogant policies of the US. The statements made by Trump are completely unbalanced. We cannot ignore these statements.”

Bahreyni stated that Iran has red lines and will respond if they are crossed.

In a large-scale air operation launched by Israel last Friday, critical centers of Iran’s nuclear program and high-ranking military officials were targeted. Iranian media reports that thousands of people have been evacuated from the capital, Tehran, and other major cities following the attacks.

Although the US has not yet carried out a direct attack, it is providing indirect defensive support, such as destroying missiles aimed at Israel in the air. The Pentagon announced that it has sent additional fighter jets and air power reinforcements to the region.

Pezeshkian emphasizes national unity

While the US raises the stakes against Iran to compel it to comply with its nuclear demands, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a speech at a cabinet meeting, said that the country’s internal solidarity is the greatest guarantee against external threats. According to a statement published on the presidential website, Pezeshkian said:

“If the people are with us, no problem can threaten the country. All steps must be taken to preserve national unity.”

Pezeshkian also thanked the many countries, especially neighboring ones, that sent messages of support to Iran during the Israeli attacks. At the end of the meeting, it was requested that security measures be kept at the maximum level and that all state officials act in accordance with the instructions of the relevant authorities.

People take to the streets in Tehran

Despite Israel’s attacks and US threats, large crowds gathered in Palestine Square in Tehran to support the country’s leadership.

Citizens who gathered in Palestine Square, located near the residence of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, carried posters of Khamenei and Iranian flags and chanted slogans against Israel and the US.

It was noteworthy that some families brought their children to the demonstration, despite US President Donald Trump’s threat to “evacuate Tehran.” Some police and soldiers were also seen participating in the demonstrations.

Khamenei: No negotiations with Zionists

Meanwhile, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated in a post on his X account that they will continue to respond to Israel’s attacks and will never negotiate with them: “The terrorist Zionist regime must be fought with determination. We will never negotiate with the Zionists.”

Damage to nuclear facilities is limited

Statements were also made regarding Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, which has been a direct target of the conflict. Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said in an interview on state television, “The condition of the nuclear facilities is good. The morale of the employees is high.”

Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi had previously stated that minor damage occurred after the attack on the Fordow Nuclear Facility in the city of Qom, but no nuclear leak occurred. The Natanz Nuclear Facility in Isfahan was more affected by the attack, but it was announced that the nuclear contamination there did not spread outside the facility.