Tensions escalated dangerously in the Middle East on June 18, 2025, as Iran warned the United States of a firm and serious response if it becomes directly involved in Israel’s military campaign. The warning was delivered by Ali Bahreini, Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, as missile exchanges intensified between Iran and Israel.

Speaking to reporters, Ambassador Bahreini made it clear that Iran viewed U.S. actions as complicit in the Israeli military campaign. The Iranian government, he said, had already conveyed a message to Washington, cautioning against any direct involvement in the current escalation.

“We will not show any reluctance in defending our people, security and land — we will respond seriously and strongly, without restraint,” said Bahreini.

Ongoing Conflict and Nuclear Accusations

The Israeli air campaign began on Friday, June 13, in what Israeli officials called the largest aerial operation against Iran ever conducted. Israel said its strikes were justified by intelligence indicating Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon — a charge Tehran has repeatedly denied, maintaining that its nuclear programme is strictly for peaceful purposes.

Despite denials from Iran, Israeli defence sources insist that Iran has accelerated its nuclear weapons capabilities, prompting Israel’s preemptive response.

U.S. Involvement and Military Moves

While the United States has not directly attacked Iran, it has aided Israel indirectly, notably by intercepting Iranian missiles targeting Israeli territory. According to three U.S. defence officials, the Pentagon has:

• Deployed additional fighter aircraft to the Middle East

• Extended deployments of existing warplane squadrons

• Placed its regional military assets on high alert

These moves have increased speculation that the U.S. could be drawn deeper into the conflict, something Iran has now explicitly warned against.

Mass Evacuations and Missile Barrages

According to Iranian state media, thousands of residents were seen fleeing Tehran and other major cities on June 18 amid fear of intensifying attacks. On the same day, Israel reported two barrages of Iranian missiles targeting its territory in the early morning hours.

Explosions were heard across Tel Aviv, although Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling defence systems intercepted most of the projectiles.

The Iranian military did not immediately comment on the details of the missile launch, but confirmed that Tehran was prepared for extended retaliation.

Global Reactions

U.S. President Donald Trump, during a press briefing, called for Iran’s unconditional surrender, urging Tehran to “step back before it’s too late”. However, Iran has rejected such overtures and instead doubled down on its position that its sovereignty and regional security must be respected.

International bodies, including the United Nations, have expressed deep concern over the potential for a broader regional war, particularly given the historic hostilities between Iran and Israel, and the complicated geopolitical alignments involving countries like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

Strategic Calculations

Observers note that Iran’s missile strikes and public warnings are part of a larger strategic message aimed at:

• Deterring U.S. escalation

• Reaffirming its regional military standing

• Projecting strength domestically amid rising public pressure

Meanwhile, Israel’s goal appears focused on crippling Iran’s military infrastructure, and potentially dismantling elements of what it claims is a covert nuclear weapon programme.

What Next?

As the crisis unfolds:

• Diplomatic backchannels are reportedly being explored between Qatar, Oman, and the EU to defuse tensions.

• There are calls for emergency UN Security Council meetings to address the rapidly deteriorating security situation.

• Analysts fear that a direct U.S.-Iran confrontation could trigger a larger regional war, involving Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Syria, Iraq, and Gulf nations.

The next 72 hours are likely to be critical, as world leaders push for de-escalation, even as both Iran and Israel exchange military threats and fire.

Stay tuned for further live updates as this story develops.

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