TEHRAN, Aug 23: Iran began mass-producing two high-speed variants of missile-launching assault boats on Monday, warning its enemies not to “play with fire” as it boosts security along its coastline.

The inauguration of the production lines for the Seraj and Zolfaqar speedboats came a day after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad unveiled Irans home-built bomber drone, which he said would deliver “death” to enemies.

The United States expressed concern about Tehrans growing military capabilities.

Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that the Seraj and Zolfaqar boats would be manufactured at the marine industries complex of the defence ministry.

Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi opened the assembly lines, saying the vessels would help to strengthen Irans defences, IRNA said.

“Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is relying on a great defence industry and the powerful forces of Sepah (Revolutionary Guards) and the army, with their utmost strength, can provide security to the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and Strait of Hormuz,” Vahidi said.

He issued a stern warning to Iran's foes.

“The enemy must be careful of its adventurous behaviour and not play with fire because the Islamic Republic of Iran's response would be unpredictable,”IRNA quoted him as saying.

“If enemies attack Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran's reaction will not be restricted to one area. The truth of our defence doctrine is that we will not attack any country and that we extend our hand to all legitimate countries.”Iran's arch-foes, the United States and Israel, have not ruled out taking military action over Tehran's controversial nuclear programme.

“This is... something that is of concern to us and... concern to Iran's neighbours,” State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters in Washington of Iran's latest military acquisitions. —AFP