Iran Warns of Consequences for US if Support for Israel Continues
Tensions continue to rise as Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, warns that new fronts will open against the United States if it continues to provide unequivocal support for Israel. This statement comes amid fears that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas could escalate into a wider regional war.
Amirabdollahian did not provide specific details about the consequences Iran might have in store, but he denied allegations that Iran instructed groups in Syria and Iraq to target US forces. He argued that it was Washington, not Tehran, that was fueling the violence in the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel and the Israeli forces’ response.
“The US is advising others to show self-restraint, but it has sided with Israel totally,” Amirabdollahian said during an interview with Bloomberg Television. “If the United States continues what it has been doing so far, then new fronts will be opened up against the United States.”
These comments from Iran’s foreign minister come shortly after the US conducted military strikes on two Syrian facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. While US officials do not have evidence of explicit Iranian orders for these attacks, they hold Iran responsible due to its support for the groups involved.
Amirabdollahian insisted that the groups attacking US forces in Syria and Iraq were acting independently and had no direction from Tehran. “They’re not receiving any orders from us, any instructions,” he stated. “The American side claims that these are linked to Iran. These groups decide for themselves independently.”
Attention has also turned to the potential consequences if Israel proceeds with a full ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Western officials are concerned that Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon could launch a barrage of attacks that overwhelm Israeli air defenses. The UN General Assembly recently passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed thousands of people.
In response to these concerns, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that the US has expressed its worries about civilian casualties and collateral damage to Israel. However, Amirabdollahian warned that a ground invasion by Israel would have dire consequences.
“The opening of new fronts will be unavoidable, and that will put Israel in a new situation that will make it regret its actions,” he cautioned. “This has reached the point of explosion. Anything is possible, and any front can be opened up.”
Amirabdollahian also revealed that he had advised Hamas to release civilian prisoners being held by the group. While four hostages have been released so far, negotiations for the remaining captives have reportedly stalled. Israel has cautioned against believing reports of progress in the negotiations.
“We have not dispatched new troops either to Syria or other parts of the region,” Amirabdollahian clarified. “But we’re not just watching developments. In accordance with our national interests, the Islamic Republic of Iran will take action.”
The situation in the Middle East remains tense, with the possibility of further escalation looming. The international community is calling for an immediate de-escalation and a return to peace talks to avoid a full-blown regional war.