Iran said on Thursday that it takes any step only in self-defense. In fact, US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that if Iran or Iran-backed groups attack US forces or installations in Iraq, they should be prepared for strong action from the US.

Tensions have increased in the US and Iran since the death of Iranian general Qasim Sulemani outside the Baghdad airport in a US attack. Foreign Minister Mohammad Jawad Zarif tweeted, "Iran takes action only in self-defense, unlike the US that lies, commits fraud and commits murders."

He said, "Do not be misled by the instigators of war." It should be noted that on January 3, 2020, the US attacked and killed Kasim Sulemani at Baghdad Airport in Iraq. Justifying the decision to assassinate Sulemani, the US said it was "conspiring to attack American establishments and diplomats".

It may be noted that Qasim Sulaimani was Iran's most powerful military commander and intelligence chief Major General. He was the leader of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or Quds Force. This Quds force of Iran reports directly to the country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.