Defense minister warns US of heavy losses if conflict erupts

If conflict is imposed on the country, the response would inflict “heavy casualties” and force US forces to leave the region, Iran’s Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh said Wednesday.

“If negotiations fail and confrontation is imposed on us, we will strike our targets,” Nasirzadeh said on the sidelines of a weekly cabinet meeting.

“We will target all American bases in host countries without hesitation.”

"Iran would not remain passive and would retaliate decisively against any aggression."

Nasirzadeh also said that Iran had a successful test of a missile with a two-ton warhead last week.

“Our operational forces are fully equipped and ready.”

He also dismissed any talk of military constraints, saying, “We neither accept military limitations nor authorize anyone to negotiate over them.”