Iran warns America against military intervention in favor of Israel and confirms readiness to respond

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi affirmed on Thursday, June 19, that his country will be forced to "use its tools to defend itself and teach the aggressors a lesson" if the United States actually intervenes to support Israel, according to the Iranian "Tasnim" news agency.

Gharibabadi, who participated in indirect talks between Iran and America over the past two months, added: "All necessary options are on the table" before the Iranian military leadership.

He also advised Washington, saying: "Our advice to America is not to intervene unless it wants to stop Israeli aggression," emphasizing that Iran "has never welcomed any war and has never sought to escalate any conflict."

In a related context, Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Ali Bahrami confirmed that his country officially informed Washington that it will "respond firmly" if the United States directly participates in any Israeli military operations against Iran.

These warnings come in conjunction with reports of American military movements, where two American officials reported on Wednesday that Washington has withdrawn some aircraft and ships from bases in the Middle East that may be vulnerable to a possible Iranian attack.

The United States has also transferred refueling aircraft to Europe, in addition to enhancing its military presence in the region, including deploying additional fighters and directing an aircraft carrier from the Indian and Pacific Oceans towards the Middle East.

In another development, informed sources revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump has made his decision to join Israel in any possible military operations targeting Iranian nuclear and missile facilities, escalating tensions in the region.

Iran has reiterated that it does not seek war, but it is ready to respond to any aggression, amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington.