Iran threatens retaliation against European nations amid escalating Middle East tensions

Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, warned Friday that European nations could become legitimate targets for military retaliation if they support U.S. or Israeli operations against Iran. This statement follows similar remarks on Thursday by foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, who stated that European countries would pay a price for their silence regarding the U.S.-Israeli offensive. Tehran maintains that any state participating in attacks against Iran faces the risk of direct Iranian military response. European naval and air assets have currently increased their presence in the eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf, prompting concerns about further escalation. Concurrently, Baqaei denied allegations that a missile intercepted in Turkish airspace originated from Iran, dismissing the claims. Tehran characterizes the current conflict as a violation of international law. Western governments are currently evaluating the level of support they may provide to regional allies, while Iran continues to argue that foreign intervention risks broadening the conflict. The warnings serve as a direct deterrent to European capitals considering closer cooperation with U.S. and Israeli military objectives.