ROME — Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto warned on Sunday that Iran is now highly likely to launch a strong response targeting U.S. interests, following American airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites.

In remarks to broadcaster TG1, Crosetto said the U.S. action marked a significant turning point in the conflict.

“A much bigger crisis opens up,” he said, emphasizing that Tehran could respond forcefully to American targets across the region.

Crosetto's warning came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out what he described as "very successful" strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan.

The strikes have intensified fears of a broader conflict engulfing the Middle East.

In response, Iran called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, urging condemnation of what it labeled U.S. aggression and violations of international law.

Tensions have been mounting since June 13, when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, triggering retaliatory missile attacks by Iran.

Since then, at least 25 people in Israel have been killed, while Iranian officials report 430 dead and over 3,500 wounded from Israeli strikes, according to the Iranian Health Ministry. — Agencies