
Iran's Foreign Ministry warned on Tuesday that any action by European countries would be considered an "act of war" and would receive a response that would target European cities and countries.
Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that countries participating in the conflict against Iran will be seen as accomplices of the aggressors and any defensive action will be treated as offensive, threatening to expand attacks on Europe, EuroNews reports.
The warning comes as several European countries are beefing up their defenses amid threats of an escalation of the war after Iranian attack drones struck the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus. Authorities believe the drones may have been launched from Lebanon, possibly by Hezbollah.
Greece, Germany and France have pledged support for Cyprus, sending frigates and F-16 jets, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stressed that the alliance is not directly involved but will defend any NATO territory if necessary.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also ordered the increase of the French nuclear arsenal and plans its distribution in Europe, with interest from eight countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands, to house French nuclear deterrence capabilities.