Iran will treat any military attack on its territory as an “all-out war,” a senior Iranian official said on Friday, as the United States (US) prepares to deploy an aircraft carrier strike group and additional military assets to the Middle East in the coming days.
Read More: Iran vows decisive response to any attack
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said Iran’s armed forces were on high alert due to what Tehran views as an escalating US military presence in the region. While expressing hope that the buildup was not intended for direct confrontation, the official warned that Iran was preparing for the worst-case scenario.
“This time we will treat any attack — limited, unlimited, surgical or otherwise — as an all-out war against us,” the official said, adding that Iran would respond “in the hardest way possible” to any violation of its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Iran threatens to resume executions, warns of ‘all out war’ if US steps in during brutal crackdown https://t.co/vlbIJbQs9V pic.twitter.com/cuQ4Yu1qiV
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US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that an “armada” was heading toward Iran, though he added that he hoped military force would not be necessary. Trump renewed warnings to Tehran over its handling of protests and cautioned against any attempt to restart Iran’s nuclear program.
The Iranian official declined to specify what form Tehran’s response might take but said a country under constant military threat had no choice but to be fully prepared to defend itself. He added that Iran would use all available means to push back against any aggression.
The United States has previously increased its military presence in the Middle East during periods of heightened tensions, often describing such deployments as defensive. However, last year saw a significant US buildup ahead of strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Read More: Fear and fire on Iran’s troubled streets
Meanwhile, rising regional tensions have begun to affect international travel. Air France announced it would temporarily suspend flights to Dubai due to the evolving geopolitical situation, while Dutch airline KLM halted flights to several Middle Eastern destinations and said it would avoid flying through regional airspace until further notice.