A senior Iranian official has warned that Tehran would view any military strike as a declaration of full-scale war, as a US aircraft carrier strike group and other military assets move into the region.
The warning comes nearly two weeks after Donald Trump publicly encouraged Iranian protesters thousands of whom have reportedly been killed by Iranian security forces to continue demonstrating, saying that “help is on the way.”
Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the official said the growing US military presence was alarming, though Iran hoped it was not meant to signal direct confrontation.
“This military buildup may not be intended for conflict, but our armed forces are prepared for the worst-case scenario. That is why Iran is on the highest level of alert,” the official said.
He added that Iran would not differentiate between types of attacks. “Any strike whether limited, unlimited, surgical, kinetic, or whatever name they give it will be treated as an all-out war against us, and we will respond with maximum force.”
On Thursday, President Trump said the United States had an “armada” moving toward Iran, though he expressed hope that it would not be used. He also renewed warnings to Tehran against harming protesters or restarting its nuclear programme.
“If the Americans violate Iran’s sovereignty or territorial integrity, we will respond,” the Iranian official said, declining to elaborate on what form that response might take.
The US military has previously increased its presence in the Middle East during periods of heightened tension, moves often described as defensive. However, a major buildup last year preceded US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June.
A similar military deployment was seen in the Caribbean late last year before the United States launched action against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro.
