ALBAWABA — A senior Iranian official has warned that any American military action against Iran—regardless of its scale or scope—would be regarded as a full-scale war, pledging a forceful response aimed at decisively confronting such an attack.
Speaking anonymously, the official said Iran’s armed forces are on maximum alert, citing extensive U.S. military movements in the region. While expressing hope that the buildup does not signal an imminent confrontation, the official stressed that Iran is fully prepared for the most severe scenarios.
According to statements relayed by Reuters, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said that any violation of Iranian sovereignty or territorial integrity by the United States would be met with retaliation, though no details were provided on how Iran would respond.
The official argued that a country facing sustained military pressure from Washington has little choice but to mobilize all available resources to deter or counter an attack. He added that destabilizing Iran would have serious regional consequences, claiming such an outcome would align with Israeli interests. Iran, he said, is now in a stronger position than during the brief 12-day conflict earlier this year and no longer vulnerable to surprise attacks.
U.S. Military Movements
The warning comes amid heightened U.S. military activity in the region. President Donald Trump said this week that the United States has naval forces moving toward Iran but emphasized that he hopes military action will not be necessary. He has repeatedly cautioned Tehran against killing protesters or reviving its nuclear program.
U.S. media reports indicate that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is en route to the U.S. Central Command’s area of operations in the Gulf of Oman, though it has not yet reached a position from which it could conduct strikes. In addition, U.S. officials told The New York Times that around a dozen F-15E fighter jets were deployed to the region last week to bolster air strike capabilities.
Pause in Escalation
Despite the show of force, reports suggest Washington has temporarily stepped back from immediate military action. Axios reported that Trump halted a potential strike following diplomatic exchanges with Tehran, logistical hurdles, and concerns raised by regional allies.
According to the report, Trump had been close to authorizing an attack ahead of a White House meeting on Iran earlier this month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly warned the U.S. president that Israel was not prepared for a possible Iranian retaliation and expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the proposed American plan.
