Iran General Warns Israel of 'Destruction' if it Attacks

The deputy chief of Iran's armed forces warned on Wednesday that any attack by Israel would bring "destruction" of the Jewish state and that Iran's retaliation would be felt outside the Middle East as well.

Brigadier General Masoud Jazayeri stressed that the Israeli nuclear site of Dimona was "the most accessible" target, and that "our response would not be limited to the Middle East," according to an interview given to the Iranian Arabic-language channel al-Alam.

"The smallest action by Israel (against Iran) and we will see its destruction," he said.

Jazayeri was quoted as saying that Iran "has plans ready for retaliation in case of attack."

The comments followed a warning by Israeli President Shimon Peres last weekend that an attack on Iran was becoming "more and more likely."

Israeli media last week issued several reports speculating that the Israeli government was seriously considering an attack on Iranian nuclear sites, but that a decision had not yet been made.

Israel fears that Iran, its biggest foe in the Middle East, is seeking nuclear weapons that could threaten its existence.

A report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog on Tuesday said it had "serious concerns" based on "credible" information indicating that the Islamic republic "has carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device."