U.S., IRAN RAMP UP SABER-RATTLING A YEAR AFTER SOLEIMANI MURDER

The US and Iran charged each other with ratcheting up tensions in the Persian Gulf as concerns about potential conflict build days before Iran marks one year since the US assassinated its most powerful military figure and less than three weeks before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, Nicole Gaouette reported for CNN on January 2, 2021.

Iran appealed to the UN Security Council on Thursday to stop the US from conducting what it called heightened "military adventurism" in the Gulf and the Oman Sea, including dispatching nuclear-capable bombers to the region, declaring that it did not want conflict but would defend itself if necessary.

Meanwhile, a US official with direct knowledge of the latest intelligence told CNN Friday that some Iranian maritime forces in the Gulf ramped up their readiness levels in the last 48 hours.

Earlier this week, defense officials told CNN new intelligence showed Iran has been moving short range ballistic missiles into Iraq. The quickening military activity is matched by rhetoric.

The head of Iran's elite Quds military force suggested Friday that retaliation for US crimes may come from "people from your own house." President Donald Trump, who reportedly asked for military options to deal with Iran in November, tweeted last week that he will "hold Iran responsible" should any Americans be killed.

And Israeli media amplified an Arab newspaper report that cited unnamed US sources saying Israel and Saudi Arabia are lobbying Trump to strike Iran's nuclear facilities before he leaves office.

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