Geneva, June 18: In a fresh escalation of regional tensions, Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States, stating that any direct involvement in Israel’s ongoing military campaign will be met with a “firm and decisive” response. The warning was issued by Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, underscoring the gravity of the situation in the Middle East.

“We have already conveyed our position clearly to Washington,” the Iranian envoy said. “If the United States gets directly involved in Israel’s military operations, Iran will not hesitate to respond firmly.”

The statement comes amid Israel’s intensifying offensive in Gaza and along the Lebanese border, as fears mount of a broader regional war. Iran, a staunch backer of armed groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, has long opposed Israel’s actions and has been warning against foreign intervention in the conflict.

While the U.S. has repeatedly stressed that its military presence in the region is aimed at deterring further escalation and protecting its assets, Tehran views any increased American role as a direct threat to regional stability. Analysts believe this warning could be a signal to deter any covert or overt U.S. military support that may go beyond current levels.

The Iranian ambassador did not detail what form Iran’s response would take, but officials in Tehran have previously stated that American bases and interests in the region could become targets in the event of a wider conflict.

Diplomatic observers are calling for de-escalation and caution, warning that even a limited clash between Iran and the U.S. could ignite a larger regional war involving multiple state and non-state actors.

The United Nations and other international stakeholders are continuing efforts to cool down tensions, but with fiery rhetoric and military deployments on the rise, the risk of miscalculation remains dangerously high.