Iran has warned that any military attack against the country would be treated as an “all-out war”, as tensions rise ahead of the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group and other American military assets in the Middle East.

According to Reuters, a senior Iranian official speaking anonymously, said the country’s armed forces are on high alert, stressing that even a limited or targeted strike would provoke a severe response. “This time we will treat any attack—whatever form it takes—as an all-out war against us,” the official said, adding that Iran would respond “in the hardest way possible.”

The warning followed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said an American “armada” was heading toward Iran, while expressing hope that military force would not be necessary. Trump also renewed warnings to Tehran over its nuclear program and its handling of ongoing domestic protests.

Iranian officials said the country, facing what they described as constant military pressure from the United States, has no choice but to remain fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. While no details were given on how Iran might respond, officials made clear that all options remain on the table.

Threats to U.S.-Linked Interests

In a separate development, a prominent Iranian cleric warned that U.S.-linked investments in the region could be targeted if Iran comes under attack. Speaking during Friday prayers in Tehran, he said American assets worth “one trillion dollars” were within range of Iranian missiles, without specifying which investments he meant.

Meanwhile, Iran’s top prosecutor denied claims made by President Trump that hundreds of executions related to recent protests had been halted, calling the statement false. Iran’s foreign minister has also rejected reports of planned executions of protesters.