In this Sept. 7, 2020, file photo released by the US Navy, the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz transits the Arabian Sea. The Pentagon announced Dec 31, 2020, that the USS Nimitz, the only Navy aircraft carrier operating in the Middle East, will return home to the US West Coast. (MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS ELLIOT SCHAUDT/US NAVY VIA AP)

TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned on Thursday of a possible plot by the United States to "fabricate a pretext for war," semi-official Fars news agency reported. "Intelligence from Iraq indicate plot to fabricate pretext for war," Zarif wrote on social media.

Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on social media, does not seek war, but will defend its people, security and vital interests "openly and directly" 

The foreign minister pointed to the deployment of two B-52H strategic bombers by Washington to the Middle East, announced on Wednesday by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
READ MORE: Tehran rejects Trump tweet that Iran behind US embassy attack

The Iranian chief diplomat decried that Washington "wastes billions" in military deployment, "instead of fighting COVID-19" in the United States.

The Pentagon announced on Thursday that the Nimitz aircraft carrier, which was off the coast of Somalia, would be heading back to it's homeport. Previously operating in the Middle East, some US officials said the move could be seen an attempt to reduce tensions in the region.

In recent days there has been increased concern and vigilance about what Iranian-backed forces might do in the lead up to the anniversary of a Jan 3 US drone strike in Iraq that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, the official said.

Washington blames Iran-backed militia for regular rocket attacks on US facilities in Iraq, including near the embassy. No known Iran-backed groups have claimed responsibility.

ALSO READ: Iran vows 'massive response' to Israeli submarine in Gulf

Iran is preparing to hold events marking the anniversary of Soleimani's killing.

Tehran, Zarif wrote, does not seek war, but will defend its people, security and vital interests "openly and directly." 

Hossein Dehghan, a military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Twitter: “I saw on the news that the Americans are on alert for fear of the 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," said Dehghan, a former defence minister.

With Reuters inputs