‘Any attack will mean all-out war’: Iran warns as US sends warships to region

“This time we will treat any attack limited, unlimited, surgical, kinetic, whatever they call it as an all-out war against us,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We will respond in the hardest way possible.”

The official said Iran’s armed forces were on high alert, adding that the military build-up by the United States was worrying but not unexpected.

“We hope this is not meant for real confrontation, but our military is ready for the worst-case scenario,” the official said. “This is why everything is on high alert in Iran.”

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States had an “armada” heading towards Iran but said he hoped force would not be necessary. He renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear programme.

“If the Americans violate Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond,” the Iranian official said, without giving details of what that response might involve.

The official said Iran had been under constant military threat from the United States and therefore had no choice but to prepare to defend itself.

“A country under constant threat must ensure that everything at its disposal can be used to push back and restore balance against anyone who dares to attack Iran,” he said.

The US military has regularly increased its presence in the Middle East during periods of tension, often describing the moves as defensive. However, Washington carried out a major military build-up last year ahead of its June strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.