Iran on Thursday accused United States President Donald Trump of attempting to fabricate a smokescreen for war.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif declared that his country would defend itself.

In a tweet, the official said instead of fighting COVID-19 in America, Trump and his “cohorts” waste billions to fly B52s and send armadas to Iranian region.

“Intelligence from Iraq indicates a plot to FABRICATE pretext for war. Iran doesn’t seek war but will OPENLY & DIRECTLY defend its people, security & vital interests,” Zarif wrote.

The U.S. military flew B-52 bombers to the Middle East on Wednesday, but the bombers have left.

On Thursday, The Pentagon announced that the Nimitz aircraft carrier would return to its homeport.

Tensions are running high ahead of January 3, the date a U.S. drone strike killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Iraq.

Iran has lined up activities to commemorate the first year anniversary.

Hossein Dehghan, a military adviser to Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned against starting a war.

“I saw on the news that the Americans are on alert for fear of revenge (over Soleimani’s killing) and have flown two B-52 bombers over the Persian 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,” the ex-Defence Minister wrote on Twitter.