Iran says it will protect Strait of Hormuz

DOHA, Qatar, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- The Iranian defense minister warned Wednesday the country will move to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz and said any attack on Iran would be countered.

Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar said Wednesday in Doha that Iran would do whatever was necessary to protect its interests in the vital Persian Gulf waterway, saying, "Iran will not allow any threat to jeopardize the security of this channel," state-owned Press TV reported.

Mohammad-Najjar also reportedly said any attempt by the United States or Israel to attack Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities would be unsuccessful and would be met with harsh retaliation.

After meeting for two days with Qatari officials to discuss forming a security alliance with other Persian Gulf states, Mohammad-Najjar told Press TV that Iran is willing to expand strategic relations with them, saying, "I believe all regional states are Iran's friends and would never let their countries or the Persian Gulf suffer harm as a result of a new war in the region."