Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani has warned of the “mother of all wars” should the US launch an attack on country.
The ominous comments come as the Iranian military unveiled three new kinds of domestically produced air to air missiles.
In a statement at the unveiling of the new weapon systems, Iranian Defence Minister Brigadier-General Amir Hatami said it proves Iran “will not hesitate for a moment to defend itself”.
Tensions have skyrocketed in the Persian Gulf in recent months after the US imposed extensive sanctions on Iran. Iran shot down a US drone in June which was followed by the US shooting down of an Iranian drone some weeks later.
Tensions were almost at breaking point after Iran seized a UK flagged oil tanker in response to Britain seizing an Iranian oil tanker and impounding it in Gibraltar.
In response the US has increased its military presence in the region and now the UK has ordered more military assets including an additional Royal Navy warship to the vital shipping lane.
Iran’s president did insist that his country was prepared to negotiate with the US in relation to its nuclear programme but said that the US must first drop all sanctions against the country.
US President Donald Trump said he is also keen to reach a peaceful settlement with Iran but said that sanctions must remain while Iran continues its nuclear programme.
Iran has also been involved in a deadly standoff with Israel and Saudi Arabia, supporting Houthi forces in Yemen as well as the Syrian government and Hezbollah.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments and share this with your friends.