Iran has warned of an all-out war if attacked, with a senior Iranian official stating that any strike, regardless of its nature, would be met with the fiercest possible response. This declaration comes as a significant US military presence, including an aircraft carrier strike group, is deploying to the Middle East.

"We hope this military buildup is not aimed at actual confrontation, but the Iranian military is ready for the worst-case scenario. That is why all forces in Iran are on high alert," a senior Iranian official, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters on 23/1.

The official emphasized Iran's readiness, stating, "This time, we will consider any attack, whether limited, unlimited, a precision strike, or any other term they use, as all-out war against us. Iran will respond as fiercely as possible to resolve it decisively." He affirmed that if the US violates Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the country will respond, though he declined to specify Tehran's reaction. The official stressed that a nation constantly threatened militarily by the US has no choice but to ensure all resources at hand can be used to respond and, if possible, restore balance against anyone who dares to attack Iran.

The statement followed US President Donald Trump's announcement that a large US fleet was heading towards Iran. Two US officials also stated that a carrier strike group and other US military assets would arrive in the Middle East in the coming days. US warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, began departing the Asia-Pacific last week, as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated.

An MH-60S helicopter takes off from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln as the ship transits the Strait of Hormuz in November 2019. Photo: AFP.

Despite announcing the US fleet was heading towards Iran, Trump noted that the force "probably won't have to be used." Washington often reinforces its forces in the Middle East during periods of escalating regional tensions. Experts noted this move could be defensive, not necessarily meaning the US is about to launch a military operation against Iran. However, the US military significantly increased its forces before airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear program in June 2025.

US warship formation deployed near Iran. Graphic: IEJ Media.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran recently escalated due to protests in Iran. The protests, which erupted in late December 2025, began peacefully but quickly turned violent, leading to thousands of deaths. They were sparked by merchants' dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the depreciating rial.

Iran accused "terrorist agents" from Israel and the US of inciting the riots. The US Department of State denied this, stating that Tehran was "distracting public opinion from internal issues." Trump repeatedly mentioned the possibility of supporting protesters, including not ruling out ordering airstrikes against Iran. Washington's allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Turkey, reportedly warned Trump about the long-term consequences of attacking Iran, leading the US leader to halt military action at the last minute.

Iranian officials announced on 21/1 that a total of 3,117 people had died in the weeks-long wave of protests, including 2,427 security personnel and civilians. Iran's Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi declared the same day that "the rebellion has ended," vowing to strictly prosecute those behind the protests.

By Huyen Le (Reuters)