The head of the Iranian navy, Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, has said that his country is “ready for all possibilities including a confrontation with the US.” He called on US forces in the Persian Gulf region to leave.

Khanzadi added that Iran is extending its hand to its neighbours to establish regional cooperation that will preserve the region from destruction. This was a clear reference to neighbouring Gulf countries.

The senior officer in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ air division, Amirali Hajizadeh, pointed out that, “An aircraft carrier which has at least 40 to 50 planes on it and 6,000 forces on board was a serious threat for us in the past, but now it is a target and the threats have switched to opportunities.” He warned that if the Americans make a move, “We will hit them in the head.”

The comments came amid growing tension between the US and Iran. Last week the US deployed an aircraft carrier battle group and a bomber task force to the Middle East.

Opinion: A war between the US and Iran is unlikely