A top Iranian official declared that Iran will view any military attack on its soil as an act of "all-out war". The statement comes as a US aircraft carrier strike group and additional military assets are set to arrive in the Middle East soon.
Speaking anonymously, the official expressed that while Iran hopes the US military movement is not for a "real confrontation", the country's armed forces are prepared for the worst. "Everything is on high alert in Iran," the official said, confirming a heightened state of military readiness.
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The official emphasised that any form of attack, regardless of its scale or type—whether "limited, surgical, or kinetic"—would be met with a full-scale response. "We will respond in the hardest way possible," he added.
This development follows recent comments from US President Donald Trump, who mentioned an "armada" was heading toward the region. While expressing hope that military force would not be necessary, he also issued fresh warnings to Iran regarding its nuclear programme and the treatment of protesters.
Reaffirming Iran's position, the official said, "If the Americans violate Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond". He, however, did not provide details on what a potential response would involve.
He explained that from Iran's perspective, being under a "constant military threat" from the US requires them to be fully prepared to defend themselves and deter any potential aggression.
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It is not uncommon for the US to increase its military presence in the Middle East during periods of high tension, often for defensive purposes. However, a significant build-up also occurred last year before military action was considered, which adds to the current sense of unease in the region.
Since late December, Iran has faced widespread protests triggered by the country's struggling economy. These demonstrations have met with a deadly crackdown and internet shutdowns to control the flow of information. Activists report that the death toll has now surpassed 5,000 people, with over 27,000 more arrested in the widening crackdown. The official figures from the Iranian government are much lower, claiming just over 3,100 deaths.
US boosts military presence in Middle East
Trump had earlier warned of military action if Iran were to harm peaceful demonstrators. He later said that Iran had halted plans to execute 800 protesters, a claim that Iran's top prosecutor has called "completely false".
A US Navy official confirmed that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with its three escort destroyers, has left the South China Sea and is heading west. The official said on Friday that the carrier group was currently in the Indian Ocean.
Once they arrive, these warships will join the three specialised warships in port in Bahrain and two other US Navy destroyers operating in the Persian Gulf.
The arrival of the carrier strike group will add approximately 5,700 service members to the region. The US maintains several key military installations in the Middle East, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which serves as a forward headquarters for US Central Command and hosts thousands of American troops.
US Central Command recently announced on social media that Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets are now operating in the Middle East. In a related move, the UK Ministry of Defense confirmed on Thursday that it had sent its Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar to operate "in a defensive capacity".