Iran warns US intervention in conflict with Israel risks 'all out war'

(AI Jazeera) Iran has warned that any United States intervention in the conflict with Israel would risk an "all-out war" as the two sides traded attacks for a sixth straight day.

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In an interview with AI Jazeera on Wednesday, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei warned: "Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region." "We have very good relations with Arab countries, and they are very cognisant of the fact that Israel has been trying to drag others into the war. We are sure our Arab countries hosting US bases would not allow their territory to be used against their Muslim neighbours," he added.

US President Donald Trump, who initially distanced himself from the Israeli attacks, has since hinted at greater US involvement in the conflict, saying he wants something "much bigger" than a ceasefire. The US has sent more warplanes to the region and is also sending the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.

Thousands of American soldiers are based in nearby countries within range of Iran's weapons.

The US, however, has threatened a massive response to any attack.

Tuesday, Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender".

He also boasted that the United States could easily assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

"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 on his Truth Social platform.

"A storm is passing over Tehran," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz posted on the social media platform X.

"This is how dictatorships collapse." Khamenei said Iran would "never surrender", and warned the US it would suffer "irreparable damage" if it intervenes in the conflict.