Geneva, June 18, 2025 — Iran has warned the United States that any direct military involvement in the Israel–Iran conflict would trigger a firm and potentially broader response. The warning was issued by Iran’s UN Ambassador Ali Bahreini, who stated that Tehran perceives Washington as complicit in Israel’s strikes and plans to set a clear “red line.” Should the U.S. cross that threshold, Iran has vowed to respond strongly.
Ambassador Bahreini emphasized that while the U.S. has so far been limited to indirect actions such as assisting in intercepting missiles and reinforcing military assets in the region a direct engagement would prompt immediate retaliation. “We will react whenever it is needed,” he asserted, without specifying exact triggers.
Earlier on the same day, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued an outright refusal to consider U.S. demands for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” warning that any American involvement would result in “irreparable damage” to U.S. interests.
The warning follows an intense week of airstrikes between Israel and Iran. Israel launched Operation Rising Lion targeting Iran’s nuclear and military facilities beginning June 13, while Iran countered with missile and drone strikes against Israeli cities.
Washington has moved fighter jets, naval vessels, and support aircraft to Middle Eastern bases and engaged in missile interceptions. Washington remains officially uncommitted to direct combat participation, though President Trump warned that “nobody knows what I’m going to do,” as global concern over U.S. involvement grows.
The escalating tensions have led to mass civilian evacuations from Tehran and Israeli cities, escalating oil price concerns, and renewed calls from international actors including the UN, EU, China, and Russia for restraint and diplomacy.
