Iran has issued a stark warning that it will target military bases and naval vessels belonging to the United Kingdom, United States and France in the region if any of the three nations intervene in defence of Israel.

The threat follows a dramatic escalation in hostilities, with Iran launching waves of missiles at Israel overnight in retaliation for Israeli strikes that reportedly targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities on Friday.

Loud explosions were heard in major cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Tehran, as both nations exchanged direct strikes in what analysts fear could spiral into a broader regional war.

Israel's Defence Minister responded sharply to the Iranian attack, warning, "Tehran will burn" if the barrage of missiles continues.

Israeli officials confirmed three people were killed and dozens more injured in the overnight attacks. Meanwhile, Iranian state television has reported that 60 people were killed in a strike on Tehran.

The Iranian regime, through state media, stated that if the UK, US or France attempt to intercept further Iranian strikes or provide military assistance to Israel, their assets in the region will be considered legitimate targets.

'Tehran will burn' if it continues firing missiles: Israel’s defence minister

Despite the gravity of the threat, Downing Street has yet to issue an official response. However, a political correspondent has confirmed that the UK has not participated in any military action so far, including defensive measures for Israel.

BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has effectively opened a new front in the ongoing Middle East conflict. "The Iranian regime is going to see this as a battle for survival," she added.

The situation remains volatile, with fears mounting over the potential for further escalation that could drag multiple global powers into a prolonged and deadly confrontation.

Source: With inputs from BBC