Iran vows to defend Gulf against all

BUSHEHR, Iran, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- The Iranian defense minister, in an obvious reference to the United States, vowed that Tehran would defend the Persian Gulf's security against all threats.

Addressing a gathering of the law enforcement and army commanders in the southern port city of Bushehr, Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar spoke of U.S. efforts to portray Iran as a threat to regional peace and security, Fars News Agency reported.

"The powerful armed forces of Iran do not pose a threat to any force at the regional level," he said. "But, in case they confront any kind of threat, they will provide a strong and crushing response"

He also underlined preparedness of Iranian armed forces to defend the country against any threat.