Iran has warned that any military action by the United States will be met with what it calls an “all-out war,” as tensions escalate with the deployment of American forces to the Middle East.

A senior Iranian official, speaking anonymously on Friday, said the country’s armed forces are on maximum alert following reports that a US aircraft carrier strike group and other military assets are heading toward the region.

“This buildup, we hope it is not meant for confrontation, but our military is prepared for the worst-case scenario,” the official said. “Any attack—whether limited, targeted, or large-scale—will be treated as a full war against us, and our response will be the hardest possible.”

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that an “armada” was moving toward Iran, while expressing hope it would not be used. He repeated warnings to Tehran against harming protesters or resuming nuclear activities.

The Iranian official stressed that any violation of the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity would trigger retaliation, though he declined to outline specific measures. “A nation under constant military threat has no choice but to prepare every option to push back and restore balance against anyone who dares to attack,” he said.

The United States has often increased its military presence in the Middle East during periods of heightened tension, typically citing defensive needs. Last year, Washington carried out a significant buildup ahead of strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, underscoring the fragile state of relations between the two countries.