Iran will target US bases if attacked, defense minister warns

"The Islamic Republic has never initiated a war in recent years and will not initiate any war in the future either, but if we are attacked or war is imposed on us, we will respond with strength," Defense Minister Aziz Nassirzadeh told the state TV when asked about US threats to attack Iran.

"If this war is initiated by the United States or Israel, the Islamic Republic will attack their interests, bases, and forces wherever they may be and whenever it deems necessary."

"We have no hostility toward neighboring countries—they are our brothers—but US bases are our targets," he said, referring to American bases in Arab countries neighboring Iran.

He also threatened to "employ weapons that have not been used until now" if a war is imposed on Iran.