24.01.2026 10:20
After U.S. President Trump's announcement of deploying a large naval fleet to the Middle East, Iran declared that any potential U.S. attack would be considered a total war and stated that the strongest response would be given.
The Iranian government reacted strongly to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that they are closely monitoring developments in Iran and that a large naval fleet has been sent to the Middle East. A senior Iranian official speaking to Reuters emphasized that any potential U.S. attack would not go unanswered.
"WE CONSIDER ANY ATTACK AS TOTAL WAR"
The Iranian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, "This time, whether they call it limited, unlimited, precise, or kinetic, we will consider any attack against us as a total war and we will respond in the harshest way possible to resolve this."
"WE ARE ON FULL ALERT"
Referring to the U.S. military buildup in the region, the official said they hope Washington's move does not aim for a real conflict. However, emphasizing that the army is prepared for the worst-case scenario, the official stated, "For this reason, Iran is completely on alert. If the Americans violate Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond." The Iranian official did not share details regarding the nature of the response.
"IRAN HAS NO OTHER OPTION"
The official argued that Iran's self-defense is a necessity, stating that a country under the ongoing military threat from the U.S. has no option but to use all its means to repel the attack and restore balance against anyone who dares to attack Iran.
TRUMP: A LARGE NAVAL FLEET IS MOVING TO THE REGION
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a statement made on the plane while returning to his country after the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, indicated that they are closely monitoring Iran, saying, "We have sent a large number of ships in that direction just in case. A large naval fleet is moving to the region. I hope nothing happens, but we are watching them very closely."
Trump also claimed that Iran halted the execution of 837 people following his previous call, stating, "Maybe we won't have to use our navy. We will see."
NUCLEAR FACILITY WARNING
While avoiding a direct answer to a question about Iran's religious leader Ali Khamenei, Trump stated that they are open to negotiations with Iran. However, reminding of the past U.S. attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, Trump warned, "If they try to do the same thing again, we can hit them much more easily."