TEHRAN, Jan 28: The head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Saturday said his country was ready to use its ballistic missiles if attacked. “Iran has a ballistic missile capability of 2,000 kilometres. We do not intend to attack any country, but if we are attacked, we have the capability to give an effective response. Our policy is defensive,” Gen Yahya Rahim Safavi told the state television.

He was referring to Iran’s meduim-range Shahab-3 missiles, which are capable of hitting Israel and US bases across the Middle East. The number of these missiles in Iran’s armoury is unknown. Iranian military officials insist they are only tipped with conventional warheads.

The country is currently under mounting international pressure overs its disputed nuclear energy drive, seen by the West as a cover for weapons development.

Iran is facing referral to the UNSC over its nuclear plan, although Western leaders say it is still premature to talk of tough sanctions against Iran.

In Israel, however, several officials have openly hinted at the possibility of pre-emptive strikes against Iran, seen as a threat to the existence of the Jewish state. —AFP