September 19, 2007 -- The deputy commander of Iran's Air Force has been quoted as saying Tehran has a plan to retaliate against Israel if the Jewish state attacks Iran.
Iran's semi-official Fars news agency quotes General Mohammad Alavi as warning Israel that it is in the range of Iranian medium-range missiles and its fighter bombers.
The announcement comes as many in the region fear Israel could launch air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities to prevent Iran from building nuclear arms.
Iran says its nuclear program is for purely peaceful purposes.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino called Alavi's comment "unhelpful" and said it "almost seems provocative."
(AFP, AP, Reuters)
RFE/RL Iran Report
RFE/RL Iran Report