Iran warns of "all-out war" if US intervenes in escalating conflict with Israel

Iran Foreign Ministry has issued a stark warning to the United States amid intensifying hostilities with Israel. 

The Ministry's spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, cautioned in an interview with Al Jazeera that “any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region.”

While he did not provide further details, thousands of U.S. troops are stationed in nearby countries within range of Iranian missiles. Washington has previously warned of a massive response to any attack on its forces or allies.

The warning comes after Israeli warplanes struck targets in Tehran overnight between June 17 and 18, following a limited Iranian missile barrage against Israel that reportedly caused no casualties.

According to the Israeli military, its latest strikes targeted a facility involved in manufacturing uranium centrifuges and another producing missile components. It also claimed to have intercepted 10 missiles during the night, suggesting that Iran’s retaliatory capability is weakening.

Israel’s current offensive began on June 13 with a surprise bombardment of Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. The escalation has resulted in significant casualties. A Washington-based Iranian human rights organization reported that at least 585 people have been killed—including 239 civilians—and over 1,300 wounded in Iran since the Israeli strikes began.

In retaliation, Iran has launched around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones toward Israel, killing at least 24 people and injuring hundreds more. Some of these projectiles have struck residential buildings in central Israel, causing extensive damage.

By Khagan Isayev