Iran will 'retaliate strongly' to US attack

IRANIAN President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned today that his country would retaliate strongly to any possible attack by the US over Tehran's controversial nuclear program.

"They realise that if they make such a mistake the retaliation of Iran would be severe and they will repent," Mr Ahmadinejad said in the United Arab Emirates.

Using stronger language than yesterday when he called for US troops to leave the region, Mr Ahmadinejad said through an interpreter that Gulf countries should "get rid of" foreign forces, which he blamed for regional insecurity.

"We in the Persian Gulf are faced by difficulties and enemies. Those do not want the region to live in safety ... peace can be achieved by getting rid of these forces," he said.

The United States, which has a strong military presence in the Gulf, accuses Iran of seeking to make nuclear weapons and has sought tougher sanctions against Iran.

Iran says its only wants to generate power to allow more oil exports.