Iran warned on Friday that European countries could become “legitimate targets” if they join military operations alongside the United States and Israel, as tensions surrounding the widening Middle East conflict continue to escalate.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi issued the warning during an interview with France 24, cautioning European governments against becoming directly involved in the war.

“We have already informed the Europeans and everyone else that they should be careful not to get involved in this aggressive war,” he said.

Takht-Ravanchi added that any country participating in attacks against Iran would face retaliation from Tehran.

“If any country participates in aggression against Iran, certainly they will also be legitimate targets for Iranian retaliation,” he said.

The remarks come amid growing international concern that the US-Israeli conflict with Iran could expand beyond the immediate region.

Western governments have been assessing possible military or logistical support for allied operations, while European naval and air assets have already increased their presence across parts of the eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf.

Iran has repeatedly warned that outside intervention would widen the conflict and trigger a broader regional confrontation.

Tehran maintains that its response will target any state directly involved in attacks against the country, raising fears among European capitals that deeper participation in the conflict could expose them to military retaliation.