Iran’s foreign ministry said Thursday that the country would retaliate if Israel attacks its nuclear facilities, adding another layer of tension to an already volatile regional standoff. The warning comes as concern grows over Tehran’s uranium enrichment program and the risk of direct military escalation.

The statement underscores how quickly the dispute could widen if either side moves from threats to action. Any strike on nuclear infrastructure would carry major security and environmental risks, while also raising the prospect of broader conflict across the region.

The exchange reflects a deepening cycle of threats between the two governments, with civilians on both sides likely to bear the heaviest costs if hostilities escalate. Diplomacy remains the only path that can reduce the danger of miscalculation and prevent a wider war.