Iranian diplomat warns Europe against joining US-Israeli attacks

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi warned on Friday that European countries supporting military action against Iran could themselves become targets for retaliation by Tehran.

In an interview conducted in English with the broadcaster France 24, Takht-Ravanchi said any state that joins attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran would face consequences.

“If any country joins America and Israel in the aggression against Iran, they will also be legitimate targets for Iran's retaliation,” he said.

Responding to a question about reports that some European countries are providing logistical support to the United States, the Iranian deputy foreign minister said Tehran had already issued warnings to European governments.

“Tehran had already informed the Europeans and everybody else that they should be careful not to be involved in this war of aggression against Iran,” Takht-Ravanchi said, though he did not identify the countries involved.

Speaking about the possibility of attacks affecting other states in the Persian Gulf region, he said Iran had warned neighbouring countries even before the current conflict began.

“Before the start of this aggressive war last week, we warned our friends, our neighbours, that if America committed a hostile act against Iran, American bases and assets — wherever they are located in our region — would become legitimate targets for retaliatory actions,” he said.

Takht-Ravanchi also criticised Washington for abandoning diplomacy, arguing that Tehran had been engaged in negotiations shortly before the military escalation.

He said that one week before the strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, Iran had been “negotiating in good faith.”

By Tamilla Hasanova