An Iranian official has issued a stark warning that any military action from the United States will result in an 'all-out war', as former President Donald Trump announces the deployment of an 'armada' to the region. This escalation comes amid heightened tensions over Iran's crackdown on anti-regime protests and concerns about its nuclear programme.
Trump's 'Armada' Deployment and Iranian Response
Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the US is sending an 'armada' to Iran, urging the government to halt the killing of protesters and abandon any plans to restart its nuclear activities. This move follows his pledge nearly two weeks ago to provide assistance to Iranian demonstrators, after reports indicated thousands have been killed by the regime during widespread protests.
Iran's Chilling Warning on Sovereignty
In response, an anonymous Iranian official told Reuters that Iran will treat any form of US attack as a declaration of total war. The official emphasised, '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.'
The 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.'
Rising Tensions and Historical Context
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified significantly due to Iran's violent suppression of nationwide anti-regime demonstrations. In a provocative move, Iranian state television broadcast a live threat to Trump, declaring 'this time, the bullet won’t miss', accompanied by footage referencing the failed assassination attempt against him in 2024.
This situation underscores the fragile state of US-Iran relations, with both sides preparing for potential conflict. The Iranian warning highlights a shift in strategy, indicating that even limited strikes could trigger a broader, more devastating war.
Global Implications and Regional Stability
The deployment of US naval forces and Iran's aggressive rhetoric raise serious concerns about regional stability in the Middle East. Analysts fear that miscalculations or further provocations could spiral into a larger confrontation, affecting global security and energy markets.
As both nations stand on high alert, the international community watches closely, hoping for diplomatic resolutions to avoid the catastrophic consequences of an all-out war.
