Ahead of the first anniversary of the assassination of Iran’s Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani by the United States, both sides have said they are prepared for escalation from the other side but will not be the first to make a move.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted today, “Instead of fighting Covid in the US, [Donald Trump] & cohorts waste billions to fly B-52s & send armadas to OUR region.” He continued, “Intelligence from Iraq indicates plot to FABRICATE pretext for war. Iran doesn’t seek war but will OPENLY & DIRECTLY defend its people, security & vital interests.”

US officials claim they have sent submarines and bombers to the Persian Gulf in order to “deter” Iran ahead of possible attacks against US bases or interests in the region. Other US officials, however, have disputed the claims that Iran is seeking to attack US bases.

As the anniversary of Soleimani’s assassination approaches, many Iranian officials have been talking about his legacy. Given that Soleimani approached domestic politics through a nonpartisan approach, various political sides have attempted to co-opt Soleimani as one of their own. “What Soleimani understood was his national, religious and revolutionary responsibilities, and he never doubted their implementation,” President Hassan Rouhani said today. “When he understands that something is our responsibility, we must do it for our country, our people and our region.”