Iran Warns of ‘All-Out War’ as U.S. Military Presence Grows in Mideast

TEHRAN (Azat TV) – A senior Iranian official has issued a stark warning, stating that Iran would consider any U.S. attack as an “all-out war against us” and respond with the “hardest way possible.” This declaration comes as a U.S. military aircraft carrier strike group, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, and other assets are reportedly making their way to the Middle East, signaling a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran in early 2026.

Escalating Rhetoric Amid Military Buildup

The anonymous senior Iranian official, speaking on Friday, January 23, underscored the seriousness of the situation, remarking, “This military buildup – 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 official emphasized that any form of attack, regardless of its scale or nature, would be met with an uncompromising response. “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 told Haaretz.

This warning directly follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements on Thursday, where he confirmed an “armada” was heading toward Iran, though he expressed hope it would not be needed. President Trump reiterated warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear program. The Iranian official countered, asserting that “If the Americans violate Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond,” without specifying the nature of such a response. The official also highlighted Iran’s necessity to ensure all resources are available for defense against perceived constant military threats.

U.S. Rhetoric and Military Posture

U.S. Vice President JD Vance echoed President Trump’s sentiments, explaining the military buildup in the Persian Gulf. Speaking to Newsmax, Vance stated that President Trump ‘wanted to make sure if the Iranians, god forbid, did something very stupid, then we have the resources to respond to it.’ Vance emphasized the U.S. objective to protect its assets and allies, such as Saudi Arabia, in the region. The U.S. military has historically increased its presence in the Middle East during periods of heightened tensions, often described as defensive maneuvers. However, the current deployment follows a major buildup last year that preceded U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear program in June, adding to Tehran’s apprehension.

Meanwhile, Iranian official rhetoric has become increasingly combative. Yahya Rahim Safavi, a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was quoted by Iran International stating, “We are preparing for a fateful war with Israel. We possess weapons no one else has.” This declaration further fuels regional anxieties and suggests Iran’s leaders are taking the U.S. military deployments with extreme gravity.

Disputed Claims and Internal Strife

Amidst these external pressures, internal dynamics within Iran remain volatile. Iran’s top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, on Friday vehemently denied U.S. President Trump’s repeated claims that he had halted the executions of 800 detained protesters. Movahedi, in comments carried by the judiciary’s Mizan news agency and reported by Iron Mountain Daily News, stated, “This claim is completely false; no such number exists, nor has the judiciary made any such decision.” A White House official later disputed Movahedi’s assertion but provided no evidence to back Trump’s claim.

The denial comes as activists report a grim reality on the ground. The overall death toll from a bloody crackdown on nationwide demonstrations has risen to at least 5,032, according to activists, a figure significantly higher than the Iranian government’s reported 3,117 deaths. Activists face considerable challenges in confirming information due to what they describe as the most comprehensive internet blackout in Iran’s history, now in its second week. The Iranian judiciary has branded some detainees as ‘mohareb,’ or ‘enemies of God,’ a charge that carries the death penalty. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also expressed ‘strong revulsion’ at a European Parliament resolution that condemned the ‘repression and mass murders being perpetrated by the Iranian regime against protesters.’

Regional Impact and International Concerns

The escalating tensions have already had tangible impacts on regional travel. Dutch airline KLM announced the cancellation of its flights to Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia scheduled for Friday and Saturday, citing heightened security concerns. This decision follows similar actions by the Lufthansa Group, which reduced flights to Israel last week. Such cancellations underscore the international community’s apprehension regarding the potential for wider conflict in the Middle East.

The confluence of a significant U.S. military deployment, Iran’s explicit ‘all-out war’ threat, and the ongoing internal suppression of protests in Iran creates a highly volatile environment. While President Trump has spoken of diplomacy, the actions and rhetoric on both sides suggest a dangerous escalation, with each party positioning for potential confrontation rather than de-escalation, despite the severe regional implications this carries.