Iran has warned that it will target American, British, and French military bases and ships if those countries assist in blocking Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. The threat, delivered via state media on Saturday, aims to deter Western support for Israel's defence amid escalating hostilities over Tehran's nuclear programme.
US President Donald Trump has pledged to help defend Israel, and American officials reportedly confirmed that US forces have already intercepted Iranian drones and missiles. French President Emmanuel Macron also stated on Friday that France would assist in defending Israel. Meanwhile, the UK government said its forces had not provided military assistance, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling for de-escalation.
Iran's warning comes as most of its missiles and drones fired at Israel are intercepted before reaching their targets. However, following through on the threat would be a significant gamble, potentially drawing Western forces into the conflict. US diplomat McCoy Pitt warned at the UN Security Council on Friday that targeting American citizens or bases would have dire consequences for Iran.
On Saturday, Israeli warplanes focused bombing sorties on Tehran, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone salvoes. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Tehran would burn if attacks on Israeli civilians continued. The IDF reported that Iran had fired around 200 ballistic missiles and launched numerous drones, but the overwhelming majority were intercepted.
Israel has struck 150 targets inside Iran since the conflict began, including air defences in Tehran. An IDF official claimed that the aerial road to Tehran is effectively open. Iranian state media reported that a fighter jet hangar at Mehrabad airport was targeted, and an attack on a housing complex in Tehran killed around 60 people, including 20 children.
Iran's envoy to the UN stated that 78 people had been killed and over 320 injured in Israeli attacks, including nine nuclear scientists. The IDF described these scientists as key figures advancing Iran's nuclear programme. The IAEA confirmed damage to the Natanz enrichment plant but noted no apparent damage to underground chambers, while reminding Israel that attacks on nuclear sites are illegal under the UN charter.
