Iran 'to target any country that stages attack against it'

Tehran, Feb 6 (ANI): A senior Iranian military guard commander has said Tehran would target any country that attacks it.

General Hossein Salami, Deputy Commander of the elite Revolutionary Guard, issued this warning amid escalating tensions between Western nations and Tehran over the latter's nuclear program and imposed sanctions.

"Any place where enemy offensive operations against the Islamic Republic of Iran originate will be the target of a reciprocal attack by the Guard's fighting units," Iranian-state-run media quoted General Salami, as saying.

According to The Telegraph, General Salami warned Iran's neighbours not to let their territory or airspace be used as a base for any attack.

The Revolutionary Guard started maneuvers in the country's south on Saturday, following naval exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil export route.

Iran has threatened to close off the Strait of Homuz if Western sanctions limit its oil exports.

The US and its allies claim Iran is producing atomic weapons. Iran, however, says its programe is meant to produce fuel for future nuclear power reactors and medical radioisotopes needed for cancer patients.

Israel and the US have said that all options remain open, including military action, if Iran continues with its uranium enrichment program. (ANI)