Iranian Defense Minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi has vowed to inflict "severe damage" on the United States and its allies in the Middle East should they resume their military campaign against his country, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Speaking to reporters after receiving a vote of confidence from parliament, Akhlaghi stated, "People can rest assured that the Americans will likely not dare to attack us," adding, "But if they do, they—as well as the region—will suffer severe damage.