Tensions have mounted between the United States and Iran as the one year anniversary of the killing of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani approaches, raising the specter of war.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused US President Donald Trump of attempting to fabricate a pretext to attack Iran, and said Tehran does not seek conflict, but would defend itself forcefully.
Zarif said in a tweet: “Instead of fighting Covid in US, @realDonaldTrump & cohorts waste billions to fly B52s & send armadas to OUR region. Intelligence from Iraq indicate plot to FABRICATE pretext for war.”
The two US military flew two nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to the Middle East in a message of deterrence to Iran on Wednesday, but the bombers have since left the region.
"We do not seek conflict, but no one should underestimate our ability to defend our forces or to act decisively in response to any attack," Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, said in a statement Wednesday. "The US continues to deploy combat-ready capabilities into the US Central Command area of responsibility to deter any potential adversary."
The Pentagon announced on Thursday that the Nimitz aircraft carrier, which was off the coast of Somalia, would be heading back to its homeport. Previously operating in the Middle East, some US officials said the move could be seen an attempt to reduce tensions in the region.
In recent days there has been increased concern and vigilance about what Iranian-backed forces might do in the lead up to the anniversary of the Jan. 3 US drone strike in Iraq that killed Soleimani.
Washington blames Iran-backed militia for regular rocket attacks on US facilities in Iraq, including near the embassy. No known Iran-backed groups have claimed responsibility.
Iran is preparing to hold events marking the anniversary of Soleimani’s killing.
Hossein Dehghan, a military adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said on Twitter: “I saw on the news that the Americans are on alert for fear of the revenge (over Soleimani’s killing) and have flown two B-52 bombers over the Gulf”.
“All their military bases in the region are covered by our missiles. I advise the White House evictee (Trump) not to turn the New Year into mourning for Americans,” said Dehghan, a former defense minister.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Fars news agency said Quds Force commander Esmail Ghaani had submitted a report to parliament on the readiness and deployment of pro-Iran militias.
“The demise of American forces is near,” he was quoted as saying.
American intelligence analysts in recent days say they have detected Iranian air defenses, maritime forces and other security units on higher alert, reported the New York Times.
President Hassan Rouhani, meanwhile, reiterated his relief that the term of US President Donald Trump was ending, renewing his comparison of him to late Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
The people have realized that as long as the US remains in the region, it will not witness any calm, he remarked.
The enemies have been harmed by the “barbaric” Soleimani assassination and “they must realize that the people of Iran and the region are more resilient and they will continue along the resistance path,” he vowed.
