On January 24, Iran declared that it would consider any attacks against the country a "complete war" and was ready to respond fiercely, as the US fleet was reported to be heading towards the Middle East. An unnamed Iranian senior official told Reuters that the country's military has placed on high alert to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
According to Iranian officials, any form of attack, whether limited or precise as described by the US, will be seen by Tehran as a comprehensive act of war. Iran affirmed that it will react as strongly as possible to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity, but did not specify retaliation measures.
The statement was made after US President Donald Trump said a large US fleet was advancing towards Iran. Two US officials also confirmed that an aircraft carrier strike group and many other military equipment will arrive in the Middle East in the coming days. US warships, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, have left the Asia-Pacific region since last week, as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated.
However, Mr. Trump also noted that this force "may not be used". Washington has repeatedly increased its military presence in the Middle East whenever the regional situation is tense, and observers believe that this move may be defensive. Previously, the US had significantly increased its forces before airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear program in June 2025.
US-Iran tensions are increasing in the context of Iran experiencing a wave of protests lasting from the end of December 2025, stemming from economic dissatisfaction and rial devaluation. Protests initially took place peacefully but quickly turned violent, causing heavy casualties. Iran accuses related forces Israel and the US of inciting riots, while the US State Department rejects this accusation.
Iranian officials said that as of January 21, there were 3,117 deaths in the protests, including 2,427 security personnel and civilians. Iranian Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi declared the riots had ended and pledged to strictly handle those behind them.
