Iran air force chief says military will respond to any attack

Iran’s army air force commander said Thursday that while the country’s defense doctrine is defensive, it will respond to any aggression.

“Our doctrine is defensive, but we will respond powerfully to any attack,” said Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi.

He added that the air force stands firmly behind the people and the Islamic Republic, saying that no action would go unanswered and that forces would defend the country “to the last drop of blood.”

His remarks came as Newsweek reported the arrival of US B-52 bombers at Diego Garcia, expanding Washington’s strike capability in the Indian Ocean amid postponed nuclear talks with Tehran.