Iran warns any attack will be met as full-scale war amid rising US military presence

WEB DESK: Iran has warned that it would treat any military attack against it as a declaration of full-scale war, as tensions rise ahead of the expected arrival of additional United States naval forces in the Middle East.

As per Reuters, a senior Iranian official said on Friday that Tehran was on high alert in response to what it views as an expanding US military buildup in the region. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said Iran hoped the deployment was not intended to trigger direct confrontation but stressed that the country’s armed forces were prepared for the worst.

“This time, any form of attack, whether limited, large-scale, or described in technical terms — will be regarded as an all-out war against us,” the official said, adding that Iran would respond with maximum force if targeted.

The warning followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said Washington had dispatched an “armada” of military assets toward Iran while expressing hope that they would not be used. Trump also renewed warnings to Tehran over its nuclear programme and the handling of internal unrest.

The Iranian official said any violation of the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity would prompt a response, though he declined to outline specific military steps Iran might take. He added that prolonged pressure and the persistent threat of force had left Iran with little choice but to ensure it could defend itself using all available means.

“A country living under constant military threat must be ready to push back and restore balance against anyone who dares to attack it,” the official said.

The United States has previously increased its military footprint in the Middle East during periods of heightened tension, often describing such deployments as defensive in nature. However, Iran has pointed to last year’s large-scale US military buildup, which preceded American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, as a reason for its heightened concern.

With regional tensions already strained by ongoing conflicts and diplomatic standoffs, analysts warn that escalating rhetoric on both sides risks miscalculation. For now, both Tehran and Washington appear to be signalling resolve, even as uncertainty grows over whether the military posturing will translate into direct confrontation.