Defense chief says Iran military primed

TEHRAN, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The Iranian defense minister says Iran's armed forces are ready to counter any surprise attack with a crushing response.

Brig. Gen. Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said in Tehran that all military movements in the region are being monitored around the clock.

Najjar's comments followed Western media reports about an armada of U.S., British and French naval forces heading toward the Persian Gulf with the aim of reinforcing American strike units in the region, the Fars News Agency reported.

He cited Iran's readiness through its recent war games and new equipment, including long- and medium-range missiles and an unmanned, radar-avoiding submarine.