Iran US tensions: Iran Warns US of Firm Response Over Israel Involvement

Iran US tensions: Iran warns it will respond firmly if the U.S. directly joins Israel’s military campaign. Ambassador Ali Bahreini says Tehran is watching U.S. actions closely.

Geneva/New Delhi, June 18, 2025 — Tensions in the Middle East continue to spiral as Iran issues a stern warning to the United States, stating that any direct involvement by Washington in Israel’s military operations would result in a firm and proportionate response.

Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Ali Bahreini, accused the U.S. of being “complicit in what Israel is doing” and warned of severe consequences if America crosses what Tehran considers its red line.

“We have conveyed through diplomatic channels that if the U.S. crosses into direct action, the Islamic Republic will respond firmly. We are watching closely,” Bahreini told reporters on Wednesday.

Background: Israel’s Air War & Nuclear Tensions

The escalation began last Friday, when Israel launched a full-scale air offensive against Iranian military targets, claiming intelligence had confirmed that Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon. The Israeli strikes have since intensified, triggering counterattacks from Iran and widespread panic in the region.

Iran, however, vehemently denies any nuclear weapons ambitions. As a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.

Trump’s “Unconditional Surrender” Demand Sparks Outrage

Further inflaming the situation, former U.S. President Donald Trump — who remains politically influential and is seeking re-election — said on Tuesday that Iran must offer an “unconditional surrender” to avoid further escalation. The remark was met with sharp criticism from Iranian officials.

“Trump’s remarks are completely unwarranted and very hostile. We cannot ignore them,” said Bahreini. “We are vigilant about what Trump is saying. We will factor it into our strategic calculations.”

U.S. Involvement: So Far Indirect, But Growing

While the Biden administration has not officially joined Israel’s offensive, the U.S. military has played a supportive role — including intercepting incoming missiles headed toward Israel and extending the deployment of fighter jets in the region.

According to multiple U.S. defense officials, more aircraft and naval assets are being positioned in the Middle East, with a readiness to engage if necessary. However, no official declaration of combat involvement has been made by Washington.

Iran’s Red Line and Civilian Panic

Though Ambassador Bahreini did not specify what would constitute direct U.S. involvement, he stated clearly that Iran’s military is prepared to act if that threshold is crossed.

“Our military command is confident, and our response will be strong, proportional, and appropriate. We are tracking U.S. movements minute-by-minute,” Bahreini added.

Meanwhile, Iranian media outlets reported mass evacuations from Tehran and other major cities on Wednesday, as new waves of missiles were exchanged between Israel and Iran. Videos circulating on social media show families fleeing urban areas, stocking up on essentials, and seeking shelter in underground facilities.

Global Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts

The international community, including the European Union and China, has called for urgent de-escalation. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session later this week.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both nations to step back from the brink of war, emphasizing the grave humanitarian consequences of continued conflict in an already volatile region.

Conclusion: A Region on the Edge

As the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies, with Washington caught in a geopolitical crossfire, the world watches anxiously. Iran’s warning to the United States is the clearest indication yet that a broader war could erupt if diplomatic channels fail and red lines are crossed.

With civilian lives at stake and nuclear fears looming, the need for measured diplomacy has never been more urgent.