Iran army chief orders commanders to prepare for any possible attack

TEHRAN/DUBAI: Iran has placed its armed forces on heightened alert, directing commanders to closely monitor potential threats and prepare for any form of attack, as tensions across the Middle East remain volatile amid signs the conflict could be entering a new phase.

Army Commander-in-Chief Amir Hatami told senior officers that operational headquarters must track “enemy movements with utmost pessimism and accuracy” and be ready to respond to any scenario, according to state media.

Hatami also warned that any adversary attempting a ground operation should expect a forceful response, stating that “no enemy troops should survive” such an assault, in remarks that reflect Tehran’s hardening military posture.

The statements come against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, with Iran and its adversaries engaged in a series of confrontations that have raised fears of a wider war.

The conflict has drawn in regional actors and intensified global concerns about stability in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.

State media released footage showing Hatami meeting with three senior commanders in a room and participating in a video call with about a dozen others. The footage, which had no audio, could not be independently verified, and it was unclear when it was recorded.

Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized readiness to defend national territory and respond to any perceived threats. The latest remarks reinforce Tehran’s long-standing doctrine of maintaining defensive preparedness while signalling strength to both domestic and international audiences.

The developments come at a sensitive moment for the region, where military posturing, diplomatic signals and ongoing hostilities are converging, leaving the trajectory of the conflict uncertain.

US President Donald Trump said the conflict involving Iran is “nearing completion” and could end within weeks, suggesting a possible de-escalation.

However, Washington’s simultaneous build-up of additional military forces in the Gulf has raised questions about whether preparations are being made for potential escalation, including ground operations.

Military analysts say such deployments often serve both deterrent and operational purposes, signaling readiness while also seeking to influence the behaviour of adversaries.

As tensions persist, both Tehran and Washington appear to be sending mixed messages — with rhetoric pointing to possible escalation, while some statements suggest an effort to bring the confrontation to a close.