Iran's Missile Forces Put on High Alert

A US official said it is impossible to determine whether this is being done for defence or offence.

The US has detected a heightened state of combat readiness among Iran's missile forces across the country. This was reported by a US official, who added that it is unclear whether the higher readiness level is defensive in nature or not.

The official, who provided the information on condition of anonymity, gave no further details and did not say whether Iranian missiles are targeting any specific objectives.

A US official said: “They are clearly in a state of heightened combat readiness. Is this heightened state of readiness a way to better prepare for defence or better prepare for attack? At this point, it is impossible to determine. But we are watching this closely”.

On January 5, it became known that Iran is withdrawing from its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal and will no longer limit its uranium enrichment. Also on January 5, Iraq's parliament voted to expel US troops from the country.

Earlier, it became known that US President Donald Trump threatened to carry out 52 strikes on Iran. This came after an explosion rang out at Balad air base in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, where US troops are stationed. Anti-war protests have broken out in the US over relations with Iran.  

The day before, in Iraq, as a result of a US airstrike, General Qasem Soleimani was killed, commander of the elite “Quds” special unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Earlier, he posted memes on Instagram against the US and President Donald Trump.