TEHERAN - Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that Iran would strike US and Israeli interests, bases, and troops "wherever and whenever deemed necessary" if either country initiates a war against the Islamic Republic.

He made the remarks in an interview with Iran's IRIB news agency published on Sunday, responding to a recent threat made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who warned that Iran would "pay the consequence" for its "support to the Houthis."

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The defense minister stated that Iran maintains a large arsenal of missiles in its bases and would not hesitate to use them against regional targets if war is imposed on the country.

"Should such a war be from the United States or Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran will target their interests, bases, and troops wherever they are and whenever it deems necessary," Nasirzadeh said.

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He further criticized what he described as a contradiction in US behavior -- claiming to be open to negotiations while simultaneously threatening Iran through various channels.

Nasirzadeh said Yemen is an independent country and makes its own decisions, advising the United States to refrain from creating crises in the West Asia region.