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.

The two powers have been exchanging barrages since Israel attacked Iran and killed many of the country’s top military leaders and scientists.

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.

Here are the facts 5 clever ways to use a leaf blower other than yard work The Extreme Technique Used by US Aircraft Carriers to Protect Each Other 5 takeaways from Trump’s Army parade Alien: Rogue Incursion - Part One: Evolved Edition Official Trailer UK Sends Jets to Protect Its Military Bases Over Iran Threat Kate Middleton's Father's Day Post Offers a Rare Glimpse at William's Silly Side Scientists Are Getting Closer to Finding Evidence of the Fifth Force Annabel Croft: ‘I don’t want to be a professional widow but I’m not ready for another partner’ Caitlin Clark Turns Heads With 3-Pointer Trifecta in 33 Seconds in First Game Back Why there’s a huge collection of vintage cars stored in the middle of the desert Costco to make generous offer to frustrated phone customers US Massive B-52 Pulls Off Spectacular Crab Landing on Runway 21 Thrillers on Netflix That Will Get Your Heart Racing Box Office: ‘How to Train Your Dragon' Roars to Record $84M U.