Iran is warning the U.S. to stay out of the region, saying the western power will regret any aggression.
A spokesman for Iran's joint armed forces chief made the statements Monday amid tension over the country's nuclear programme.
(SOUNDBITE)(Farsi) SPOKESMAN FOR IRAN'S JOINT ARMED FORCES STAFF, MASSOUD JAZAYERI, SAYING:
"We believe that the U.S. doesn't have the ability to take (military) action. In the meanwhile we will strengthen our (military) abilities day by day."
U.N. nuclear inspectors began a visit to the country Sunday to determine the nature of its nuclear programme.
Iran is mulling responding to sanctions from the U.S. and EU by halting oil experts to some countries.
(SOUNDBITE)(Farsi) SPOKESMAN FOR IRAN'S JOINT ARMED FORCES STAFF, MASSOUD JAZAYERI, SAYING:
"We will respond to any threat or aggressive action in a crushing manner. Our response will definitely lead them to regret (their actions). We hope that this doesn't happen... If it does happen however, history will prove whether it is Iran or the U.S. that just talks..."
Iran did not carry out an earlier threat to take action if the U.S. moved an aircraft carrier into the Gulf when the USS Abraham did so last week.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters