Iran warns of preemptive action against enemies

Iran would take preemptive action against its enemies if it felt its national interest were at risk, a deputy head of the country’s armed forces said on Tuesday.

General Mohammad Hejazi said Tehran would “hit a retaliatory blow at our enemies whenever we feel they want to endanger our national interests”.

General Hejazi’s remarks come as senior Israeli officials reportedly consider launching a strike on Iran.

Israel, the US and their European allies fear Iran’s nuclear programme has military dimensions.

A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency is in the country to seek answers.

But Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said they would not have any access to nuclear sites.

“This is not a delegation of inspectors. This is a delegation of experts who have come to Iran. The aim of the visit is not to inspect, but to hold talks and discussions regarding cooperation between the Islamic Republic and the IAEA,” Mehmanparast said.

On Sunday, Iran stopped oil sales to Britain and France in retaliation for an EU boycott on its crude that takes full effect on July 1.

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