Tehran has warned no nation would “dare” attack Iran as the US prepares to significantly bolster its forces in the region amid rising tensions. The US is sending a second aircraft carrier group to the region with Washington increasing its airstrikes on the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragachi responded by sending a warning over his country’s capabilities, explaining their advanced military might acts as a deterrent. "Our enemies are well aware of the consequences of any aggression against our territory," he said, according to Newsweek. The minister also said Iran will not enter “any direct negotiations" with the US after President Donald Trump sent a letter proposing talks on a new nuclear deal.

However, he added a path for “indirect negotiations is open”.

An Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy commander has also stressed the need to be combat ready, describing readiness and capability as the “priority” in an interview with an Iranian news agency.

Alireza Tangsiri also said work is ongoing to integrate Artificial Intelligence into weaponry.