In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, a senior Iranian official has warned that any US military action against Iran, regardless of its scale, will be treated as an ”all-out war,” prompting Tehran to respond with full force, according to a Reuters report.
The statement comes as President Donald Trump confirmed the deployment of a significant US naval presence to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier strike group, amid ongoing protests and economic turmoil in Iran.
The anonymous Iranian official, speaking on January 23 to Reuters, emphasised that Iran views any violation of its sovereignty, whether described as limited, surgical, or otherwise, as a declaration of total war. ”If the Americans violate Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Iran will respond in the hardest way possible to settle it,” the official said, adding that Iran’s military is on high alert and prepared for the worst-case scenario.
The warning follows Trump’s description of a US ”armada” en route to the region, which he hoped would not need to be used but served as a deterrent.
Tensions have been building since widespread protests erupted in Iran over economic hardships, including a collapse of the national currency, leading to violent unrest. Iranian authorities report over 3,000 deaths, including nearly 700 alleged ”terrorists,” and have accused the US and Israel of fueling the chaos through foreign-backed militants.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, stated that the US is ”watching” the situation closely and has dispatched a ”massive fleet,” including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group from the South China Sea, now positioned in the Indian Ocean. Additional warplanes and support aircraft have also been moved to regional US bases.
”We have a lot of ships heading in that direction, just in case,” Trump said, adding, ”maybe we won’t have to use it.”
The US buildup echoes previous deployments during periods of heightened friction, including last year’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump has renewed warnings to Tehran against suppressing protesters or restarting its nuclear activities, while claiming he previously halted potential military action against Iran.
The Iranian official expressed hope that the US movements are not intended for confrontation but reiterated that Iran must use ”all available means” to counter threats.
On social media platform X, the developments have sparked intense discussion and reactions from global observers, news outlets, and users. RT reported Iran’s parliament speaker warning that ”all American military centres, bases, ships will be legitimate targets” if an attack occurs, accompanied by chants of ”Allahu Akbar.”
Another RT post highlighted Iran’s defence minister vowing a ”full force” response, claiming the country is stronger than during prior conflicts.
User @Intelligencer41 noted Israeli intelligence spotting a rapid US buildup, suggesting a decision on action is imminent.
Critical voices, like @Suzierizzo1, accused Trump of risking war by announcing US readiness to protect protesters, warning it could endanger American troops.
Other posts amplified the warnings: @RT_com shared Iran’s latest alert that ”this time any attack’s all-out war,” with Tehran placing everything on high alert.
News accounts such as @TimesNow and @WIONews discussed thickening war clouds, with references to Turkish concerns about potential Israeli involvement and sanctions on Iran’s shadow oil fleet.
From inside Iran, user @NiohBerg relayed sentiments that an immediate US strike could double protest sizes, challenging the regime’s ability to suppress them.
The standoff raises fears of broader regional instability, potentially involving the entire Middle East, as suggested by some analysts on X.
With US forces approaching and Iran on edge, diplomats and experts warn that miscalculations could lead to rapid escalation.
