Iran has cautioned European nations against becoming involved in its escalating confrontation with Israel and the United States.

The warning followed remarks by Germany, Britain and France indicating they might consider “defensive measures” aimed at neutralising Iran’s missile-launch capabilities. Reacting to the statement during a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said any such move would amount to direct participation in hostilities. He stressed that Tehran would interpret military action by European powers as alignment with its adversaries and treat it as a formal act of war against Iran.

Meanwhile, NATO signalled support for French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to strengthen France’s nuclear deterrent capacity. The alliance said it welcomed the opportunity for broader consultations with Paris on nuclear policy.

On Monday, Macron announced plans to modernise and expand France’s nuclear arsenal, adding that nuclear-capable aircraft could, for the first time, be deployed to allied European countries. The proposal is viewed as a significant development in Europe’s defence posture, particularly amid ongoing tensions involving Russia and uncertainty about the long-term reliability of U.S. security guarantees under President Donald Trump.

A NATO official, speaking anonymously, stated that France’s deterrent already contributes to collective security and that deeper coordination would help maintain a unified strategic approach. Macron revealed that eight European countries — including Britain, Germany, Poland and Sweden — had agreed to participate in what he described as a “forward” deterrence initiative.

Although NATO’s nuclear framework primarily relies on the United States, France maintains an independent nuclear doctrine outside the alliance’s nuclear planning group. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently emphasised that there are no plans to replace the American nuclear umbrella in Europe, despite growing debate over strategic autonomy.