TEHRAN (MNN); Iran has warned that it will consider any military strike by the United States as an all-out war, as Washington prepares to deploy an aircraft carrier strike group and additional military assets to the Middle East.
A senior Iranian official, speaking anonymously on Friday, said Iran’s armed forces are on the highest level of alert amid the growing US military presence in the region. He added that while Tehran hopes the buildup is not meant for direct confrontation, it is fully prepared for the worst-case scenario.
The official said that any form of attack — whether described as limited, surgical or otherwise — would be treated as a full-scale war, and Iran would respond with maximum force.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a large US naval force was moving toward Iran, though he expressed hope that it would not need to be used. He renewed warnings to Tehran against harming protesters or resuming its nuclear program.
The Iranian official said any violation of Iran’s sovereignty or territorial integrity would trigger a response, though he declined to give details. He added that a country facing constant military threats has no choice but to use all available means to defend itself and restore balance against any aggressor.
The US has previously increased troop deployments in the Middle East during periods of tension, often describing them as defensive measures. However, last year saw a significant buildup ahead of US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Headline: European Airlines Suspend Middle East Flights Amid Tensions
PARIS/AMSTERDAM (MNN):
Air France and KLM have temporarily suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations due to escalating geopolitical tensions.
Air France announced it would halt services to Dubai, citing the regional security situation. The airline said it is closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety and security of its passengers and crew.
Dutch airline KLM has also suspended flights until further notice to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh. It has additionally stopped flying through the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel and several Gulf countries, according to Dutch state broadcaster NOS.
KLM did not specify the reasons for the suspension but said it was coordinating with Dutch authorities.
President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran over its crackdown on nationwide protests. Although tensions appeared to ease last week after Iran reportedly halted planned executions of protesters, Trump confirmed that US military preparations are continuing.
“You know we have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case,” Trump said, adding that a major force was heading toward Iran.
