Iran warns against military action

TEHRAN, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The United States and Israel are in no position to launch a military strike against Iran over its nuclear program, the deputy head of Iran's armed forces said.

Brig. Gen. Masoud Jazayeri told Iran's Press TV that any strike against the Islamic Republic would be met with a counterattack.

He said Americans have been pouring into the streets to protest the capitalist system and chant slogans in support of Iran. Relatively small protests were held in dozens of U.S. cities last weekend to register opposition to the possibility of going to war in Iran.

U.S. President Barack Obama has noted a military campaign against Iran over its nuclear program would carry serious risk, adding "our preferred solution here is diplomatic."

Iran insists its efforts to acquire nuclear technology are strictly for peaceful purposes.