On March 6, 2026, in a stark warning, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi asserted that any EU nation joining the U.S. and Israel in military attacks against Iran would make itself a "legitimate target" for Iranian retaliation. This statement was made during an interview with France 24, amidst escalating tensions in the region.

Takht-Ravanchi emphasized, “Any country that joins in the aggression against Iran, joins America and Israel in the aggression, will definitely be a legitimate target for Iran's retaliation.” His remarks underline Iran's response to increasing military activity from both U.S. and Israeli forces as they engage in operations against Iranian interests.

Several EU countries, including France, Greece, and Italy, have deployed naval assets to the Middle East amid these rising tensions. While these nations have condemned Iranian strikes in the region, they largely advocate for diplomatic solutions to end the ongoing conflict rather than further military escalation.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed concerns about the situation, stating that Berlin is collaborating with allies to seek a diplomatic resolution while still aligning with U.S. and Israeli objectives. He noted that any military involvement comes with inherent risks and must be approached with careful consideration.

The remarks from Iranian officials reflect Iran's ongoing strategy to deter perceived aggressions from both Western and regional powers, signaling a potential escalation in hostilities if EU nations continue to support U.S. actions. As diplomatic efforts are tested, the situation remains volatile, with implications for regional and global security continuing to unfold.