Iran says to firmly respond to military threat or attack

Source: Xinhuanet | 11-12-2006 19:25

TEHRAN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A senior officer of Iran's armed forces said on Saturday that his country would fight back any possible military threat or attack, the state television reported.

"The armed forces of Iran would firmly respond to any military and threatening move, our forces understand the different threats and have the capacity and capability to confront them," Brigadier General Ali Fazli, spokesman for Iran's latest drills, was quoted as saying.

The officer made the remarks just one day after Israeli deputy defense minister refused to rule out military strike against Iran's controversial nuclear program.

"The enemies of the Islamic republic are too weak and too abject to be a threat for a powerful Iran," he added.

Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh on Friday told the Jerusalem Post that he believed military action against Iran was the "last resort", but may also be the "only resort".

Fazli's comment were seen as a clear response to Sneh by western media.

Iran's top officials have repeatedly warned the West not to take crucial measures against the country's nuclear program, including seeking UN sanctions and even military move.

Iran also has test fired its ballistic missiles "Shahab-3" in recent war games, a warning message to Israel and the U.S. that their strategic interests were within the missile's 2,000 km strike range.

Editor:Lu Yuying