Last update - 21:38 21/03/2007 Khamenei: Iran will retaliate if attacked over nuclear row By Reuters

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Wednesday that Tehran would strike back with everything it has if attacked over its nuclear program, which the United States believes is aimed at making atom bombs.

Khamenei, who has previously threatened U.S. regional interests if attacked, was speaking in the northeastern city of Mashhad to mark the Iranian new year, which falls on March 21.

"If they want to threaten us and use force and violence against us, they should not doubt that Iranian officials will use all they have in their power to deal a blow to those who assault them," he said in an address carried by Iranian television news.

I say we should hit you so hard you will loose the ability to even raise you voice in protest to the attack on your nukes much less to engage in terrorism against innocent people.