Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply Wednesday as Iran issued a stark warning to the United States: any military involvement in its conflict with Israel would ignite an “all-out war” in the region.

The threat comes as U.S. intelligence reports suggest that Tehran is actively preparing missile strikes against American military installations in the Middle East.

“Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region,” said Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Though Baghaei offered no specific details, thousands of U.S. troops are stationed across multiple countries near Iran — all within striking range of its long-range missiles.

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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reinforced the warning, cautioning the United States that any strike would have “serious irreparable consequences.”

Khamenei condemned what he called U.S. efforts to force Iran into submission and declared that his country “does not answer well to threats.”

“Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language because the Iranian nation will not surrender,” Khamenei stated in a message broadcast by Iranian state media.

“The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.”

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These dramatic pronouncements follow reports by U.S. officials who told The New York Times that Iran has already begun preparing missiles aimed at American bases in the region — particularly those in Iraq. In addition to direct strikes, Iran could seek to disrupt the U.S. Navy’s movements by mining the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments and a strategic location for American warships in the Persian Gulf.

The rising hostility follows a provocative message from former President Donald Trump on Tuesday night. In a post on Truth Social, Trump demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender and warned that the U.S. knew the precise whereabouts of Iran’s top leadership.

“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump wrote.

“But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

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The message drew a sharp rebuke from Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, who condemned Trump’s words as dangerous and inflammatory.

“The remarks made by Donald Trump are completely unwarranted, are very hostile. We cannot ignore them. We are vigilant about what Donald Trump is saying. We will put it in our calculations, in our assessments,” the ambassador told reporters Wednesday.

“There is a line, which if crossed, there should be a response on our side. Once the red line is crossed, the response will come.”

He further accused the United States of bearing responsibility for Israel’s recent actions in Iran, saying, “The US was complicit in what Israel is doing. We will not show any reluctance in defending our people, security and land. We will respond seriously and strongly, without restraint.”

Meanwhile, panic gripped Tehran as Israeli airstrikes struck the Iranian capital overnight.

According to Israel’s military, 50 Israeli fighter jets targeted approximately 20 facilities involved in the production of missile components, raw materials, and related infrastructure.

The strikes prompted thousands of Iranians to flee the city in fear of further retaliation.

In response to the air assault, Iran launched a limited barrage of missiles toward Israel, signaling that it would not remain passive in the face of attacks on its capital.

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The developments underscore the growing volatility of the region and the high-stakes dilemma facing the U.S. As American military officials assess potential responses, the threat of a broader war looms — one that could draw in multiple nations and destabilize a region already rife with conflict.

With Iranian leaders vowing never to back down and openly preparing for confrontation, and with the U.S. under increasing pressure to protect its troops and allies, the Middle East is once again on the precipice of a potentially catastrophic military escalation.

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