Khamenei warns of strong response if Iran attacked

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Monday of a forceful retaliation if the Islamic republic is attacked, following a threat by US President Donald Trump.

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"They threaten to do mischief," Khamenei said of Trump's latest threat, during a speech on Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

"If it is carried out, they will definitely receive a strong counterattack."

In an interview on Saturday, Trump said Iran will be bombed if it does not reach a deal on its nuclear programme.

"If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing," he said, according to NBC News, which said he also threatened to punish Iran with what he called "secondary tariffs."

It was not clear whether Trump was threatening bombing by US planes alone or perhaps in an operation coordinated with Israel.

Since taking office in January, Trump has reinstated his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran.