The mounting destruction and death toll in the conflict between Israel and Iran is raising fears of broader escalation, with the United States caught in the conundrum of military involvement in the Middle East's most perilous confrontation since the Gulf War.

Tehran said American bases in the Middle East could face reprisals if the U.S. helped repel Iranian attacks on Israel.

Iran has issued a stark warning to Britain, France and the US – if they step in to defend Israel, they will be treated as enemies. Military bases in the Middle East would be targeted, while the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea will be turned into war zones with naval vessels attacked.

Iranian state media has threatened to strike military bases and ships belonging to the UK, US and France if those countries help Israel defend against retaliatory missile strikes, declaring there would be 'grave and far-reaching consequences' if these countries were 'supporters' of Israel in this conflict.

A State Department official said the US “will reduce the footprint of [its] mission in Iraq” to ensure the safety of American personnel.

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