Iranian president Raisi, speaking during a televised address, has now said that while Iran will not start a war, it will “respond strongly” should any nation attempt to bully it.
He said: “We will not start any war, but if anyone wants to bully us they will receive a strong response.
“The Islamic Republic’s military power in the region is not and never has been a threat to any country.
“Rather, it ensures security that the countries of the region can rely on and trust.”
Fighting across the Middle East has intensified since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel in October.
Since then the Iran-backed militia have said to be targeting US forces in the region. While the Houthi rebels have reportedly been firing on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea.
The actions from the Houthis have prompted a response from both the UK and US.
Although United States military forces are said to not want an all-out war with Iran.
