American politicians have received a stark warning of potential ‘all-out war’ as US military forces move closer to Iran. This comes after weeks of unrest in Iran that have resulted in numerous casualties.
An Iranian official issued this caution as a fleet of US warships, dispatched by President Trump, arrived in the region. This move follows the president’s pledge to support Iranian protesters challenging their government’s leadership and grappling with an economic crisis.
This warning arrives approximately six months after a significant conflict between Israel and Iran. During that confrontation, nearly 1,000 missiles were exchanged between the countries, accompanied by the deployment of many suicide drones.
That 12-day conflict severely damaged key components of Iran’s nuclear and civilian infrastructure, although Iran refrained from directly targeting Israel’s primary ally. However, an unnamed Iranian official informed Reuters that the US might face a more severe response in future conflicts.
The official stated: “This time we will treat any attack – limited, unlimited, surgical, kinetic, whatever they call it – as an all-out war against us, and we will respond in the hardest way possible to settle this.”
This statement was made shortly after the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, along with several missile-launching destroyers, in the Gulf of Oman. This positions the group within striking distance of Iran’s southern coast.
In contrast to the previous conflict and subsequent to President Trump’s intervention in Venezuela, which led to the capture and extradition of President Nicolas Maduro to New York City, Iran is now promising a comprehensive retaliation.
The regime official added: “If the Americans violate Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond.
“This military build-up – we hope it is not intended for real confrontation – but our military is ready for the worst-case scenario. This is why everything is on high alert in Iran.”
The Iranian state television has escalated rhetoric with direct threats aimed at President Trump, ominously stating that ‘this time, the bullet won’t miss,’ in reference to a previous failed assassination attempt.
In response, Washington has started withdrawing troops from bases that are within striking distance of Iran in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Iranian protesters continue to face repression, with individuals being shot and detained for demanding an end to the Islamic revolution that began 47 years ago, toppling the Western-backed Shah in favor of religious clerical rule.
A female activist in Iran shared her perspective with the BBC, illustrating the widespread nature of the protests: “There were women and men from seven to 70 years old.
“On just one street there were 200 to 300 people. People were chanting ‘Death to the dictator’ and ‘Long live the shah’.”