Iranian commander threatens 'preemptive attack on enemies'

Tehran, Feb 22 (ANI): A senior Iranian military commander has warned that Tehran would consider launching preemptive strikes on anyone who threatens it.

"We will no more wait to see enemy action against us," General Mohammed Hejazi, the deputy head of the armed forces, said.

According to The Los Angeles Times, the statement was somewhat ambiguous as the high-ranking commander didn't reveal details about the possible preemptive strategy, but repeated Tehran's oft-stated policy to retaliate massively, if attacked.

"We will make use of all our means to protect our national interests and hit a retaliatory blow at them whenever we feel that enemies want to endanger our national interests," General Hejazi said.

General Hejazi warned the "Zionist regime", the Iranian leadership's usual way of referring to Israel, against any "foolish act" that could spark an Iranian reaction.

The comments came amid intensified speculation about a possible Israeli or American strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.

According to the Iranian media reports, Tehran said it has started "massive air defense drills" in the country's south to "detect and repel" enemy air raids. (ANI)