TEHRAN, (AFP) — The Iranian capital is equipped with air defences against cruise missiles, a top military official said on Friday, warning against any attack on Iran over its controversial nuclear programme.

“Tehran is one the rare capitals of the world which has been equipped with a defence system against advanced cruise missiles,” said Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, the Revolutionary Guards aerospace division chief, quoted by Fars and Mehr news agencies.

He did not elaborate on the defence system but said it has been tested during Iran’s wargames this week.

“Any bases used by an assailant country are considered as its land and a target for Iran’s fighters. This should be carefully heeded by those countries which give bases to America,” he warned.

Both Israel and the United States have refused to rule out resorting to military action to prevent Iran acquiring what they suspect is nuclear weapons capability, an ambition Tehran strongly denies.

Iranian officials have in return repeatedly vowed a crushing response to any attack.

The Islamic republic said on Thursday it had “successfully” test fired an upgraded version of a Soviet-era missile after Moscow dropped plans to supply Tehran with long-sought S-300 missiles.