Reading time: 2 min
Iranian army chief General Amir Hatami issued a stark warning to the United States and Israel on Saturday, declaring his country’s armed forces on high alert as Washington deploys significant military assets to the Persian Gulf. The warning signals a dangerous escalation in regional tensions that could destabilize the broader Middle East.
Military Buildup Intensifies
General Hatami told Iran’s official IRNA news agency that Iranian forces were “at full defensive and military readiness” following America’s heavy military deployments in the Gulf. He warned that any enemy mistake “will endanger its own security, the security of the region, and the security of the Zionist regime.”
The United States has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East with the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and additional assets. President Donald Trump earlier this week described a “massive armada” heading toward the Islamic Republic, declaring that “time is running out” for Iran.
Trump References Previous Strikes
Trump’s warning referenced air strikes carried out against Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025, suggesting the administration views military action as a viable option. The Trump administration has reportedly considered attacking Iran for nearly a month, using the pretext of Tehran’s brutal crackdown on demonstrators that has resulted in thousands of deaths.
Regional Security Implications
The military posturing comes as the broader Middle East region prepares for potential US military action against Iran. The deployment of American naval and air assets to the Gulf represents a significant show of force that raises the stakes for any miscalculation by either side.
General Hatami’s warning specifically mentioned threats to regional security, highlighting how any military confrontation between the US and Iran would likely have far-reaching consequences across the Middle East, potentially affecting neighboring Gulf states and shipping lanes critical to global energy supplies.
What’s Next
With Iranian forces on high alert and American military assets positioned in the Gulf, the region faces its most serious military tension in recent years. Trump’s reference to previous strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities suggests the administration may be preparing for targeted military action, while Iran’s defensive posture indicates Tehran is bracing for potential attacks.
Sources: Middle East Eye, Globenewswire
