Iran has issued a strong warning that it will respond with maximum force to any military attack, declaring it would consider even a limited strike as a full-scale war amid rising tensions with the United States.

According to a Reuters report, a senior Iranian official said Tehran has placed its armed forces on high alert following what it sees as a growing US military buildup in the region. The official, speaking anonymously, said Iran hopes the deployment does not signal an imminent confrontation but stressed preparedness for all scenarios.

“This time, any attack—no matter how it is described—will be treated as an all-out war,” the official warned, adding that Iran would retaliate with full strength if its sovereignty is violated.

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The warning comes after US President Donald Trump said Washington had dispatched an “armada” of military assets toward Iran, while reiterating concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme and internal unrest.

Iranian officials said prolonged military pressure has left the country with no option but to strengthen its defensive posture. They cited past US deployments in the region, including last year’s buildup that preceded strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, as a cause for heightened concern.

Analysts caution that escalating rhetoric from both sides could lead to miscalculation, as regional tensions remain high due to ongoing conflicts and diplomatic standoffs across the Middle East.