Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh says Iran successfully conducted a missile test last week, which featured a two-tonne warhead.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday, the minister hailed the achievement as a major step forward in Iran’s defense capabilities.
“We have made very good progress in defense affairs,” Nasirzadeh said, stressing that Iran’s armed forces are fully equipped and have the upper hand in any conflict.
He warned the US that any act of aggression against Tehran will result in heavy losses for American forces.
His warning came amid reports of gaps between Iran and the US to resolve disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program and remove sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
Iran said on Monday it would soon hand a counterproposal for a nuclear deal to the United States in response to a US offer that Tehran deems unacceptable, while US President Donald Trump said talks would continue.
The top US general overseeing American forces in West Asia, however, said on Tuesday there were a range of options when asked if the military was prepared to respond with force if talks with Iran fail.
“I have provided the secretary of defense and the president with a wide range of options,” US Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), told a congressional hearing.
“Every so often it is said that if negotiations fail, it will lead to a conflict. On behalf of the Iranian nation, I declare that in case a conflict is imposed upon us, we will strike our designated targets, the enemy will suffer heavy casualties, and America must leave the region,” Nasirzadeh said.
He also stressed that Iran’s defensive capabilities are non-negotiable.
Iran and the US have held five rounds of talks since April 12, mediated by Oman. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced on Monday that the next round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US will be held in Oman on June 15.
