Iran's navy is "fully prepared" to defend the country's interests even in international waters, a senior navy commander said.

“All activities of our enemies ... are within our reach. Our naval forces are fully prepared to defend the country's interests even in international waters,” IRNA quoted Siavash Joreh as saying.

Iran is at loggerheads with Western powers over its nuclear program which they fear is aimed at making nuclear weapons. The United States and Israel do not rule out military action against Iran if diplomacy fails.

Tehran says its nuclear work is peaceful.