Iran issues clear warning to the US: 'Any attack will be considered total war'

US President Donald Trump’s announcement that they are closely monitoring developments in Iran and sending a large naval fleet to the region has drawn a harsh reaction from the Iranian administration. A senior Iranian official, speaking to the Reuters news agency on condition of anonymity, emphasized that any US attack would not go unanswered, stating: "This time, whether they call it limited, unlimited, precise, or kinetic, we will consider any attack against us as total war and will respond in the harshest possible way to resolve it."

"IRAN IS ON ALERT"

Referring to the US sending a military fleet to the Middle East, the Iranian official stated: "We hope that the military buildup by the US is not intended for an actual conflict. However, our military is prepared for the worst-case scenario. That is why Iran is on full alert." Reiterating that Iran will defend its sovereignty in the face of any attack, the Iranian official said, "If the Americans violate Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond." The official refrained from providing detailed information on what that response might entail.

"IRAN HAS NO OTHER CHOICE"

Pointing out that it is a necessity for his country to defend itself, the Iranian official assessed: "A country under constant military threat from the US has no choice but to ensure that every means at its disposal is used to repel the attack and, if possible, to restore the balance against whoever dares to attack Iran."

TRUMP HAD THREATENED IRAN

US President Donald Trump, in comments made on his plane while returning from the World Economic Forum (WEF) meetings in Davos, stated that they were closely monitoring developments in Iran, saying, "We have sent a large number of ships in that direction just in case. A large naval fleet is heading toward the region. We will see what happens. I hope nothing happens, but we are watching them very carefully." Recalling that Iran had halted the execution of 837 people following his call, Trump remarked, "But let me say this: We have a very large navy heading toward the region. Maybe we won't have to use it. We will see."

Responding to the question, "Do you want Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to step down or go into exile?" Trump said, "I don't want to get into that at this stage. But they know very well what we expect." Stating that they are open to negotiations with Iran, Trump recalled US attacks on the country’s nuclear facilities and warned, "If they try to do the same thing again, we will hit that place the same way, or even much more easily."

News Source: İHA