Tehran: Commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Major General Ali Abdollahi, issued a stern warning to regional countries against engaging in military cooperation with the United States, cautioning that any nation serving as a 'defensive shield' for Washington would 'burn in the fire of war.'

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, General Abdollahi's message to regional states on Saturday highlighted the United States' 'rapid pursuit of a path of widespread escalation in the regional war,' which he described as part of 'a dangerous strategy aimed at expansion and illegitimate domination across the entire region.' He urged Muslim countries to act with foresight, monitor America's actions, and reconsider their cooperation and alignment with the United States, warning of dire consequences otherwise.

The warning comes in the context of heightened tensions following a 40-day conflict that the United States and Israel waged against Iran starting on February 28. The conflict significantly disrupted the global energy market and led to inflation in various countries worldwide. General Abdollahi criticized the US for its malicious actions during the war, which he claimed were directed against the interests and resources of Muslims.

The general emphasized that Muslim countries should recognize Washington's utilization of 'their capital, wealth, vital infrastructure, and strategic resources as a defensive shield for its worn-out army.' Meanwhile, he accused the US of simultaneously bolstering 'the war machine and security of the child-killing and terrorist Zionist regime.'

General Abdollahi asserted that Iran, its Armed Forces, and the resistance front had shifted the regional balance of power. He warned that the United States and Israel are now attempting to wage war 'from behind the defensive lines of Muslim countries,' aiming to transfer the costs of conflict onto regional governments.