Iran has dismissed the latest claims by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that Washington's unilateral sanctions on Tehran are the alternative to military confrontation, saying sanctions are indeed a full-fledged war targeting civilians.

Mr. Jabar Saidawi said, “The United Kingdom, the United States, Wahhabis and Zionists ‎have inflicted fatal blows on the Shi’ah religious authorities (the sources of emulation) ‎and the fatwas of these authorities.”‎

The Palestinian ambassador to Iran said, “The leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran is the flag of jihad and martyrdom. Soon we will see the destruction of Israel.”

Iran’s naval forces are closely watching the movement of any foreign vessel in the Persian Gulf waters, a commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has said, warning against the presence of extra-regional countries in that territory.

Freed Iranian stem cell scientist, Dr. Masoud Soleimani, who was imprisoned in the United States for over a year without any charge, says the US is dismayed and angered by scientific progress of Iran.

Spokesman for Iran's Supreme National Security Council Keivan Khosravi mocked at the recent remarks by White House Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook that the anti-Iran sanctions are meant to safeguard the US national security.

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami underlined his country's high security and defense power which deters enemies' military attack against Iran.

Top Military Aide to the Supreme Leader Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi boasted his country’s defensive successes in foiling anti-Tehran plots, adding that enemies of Iran should know that they are facing an invincible nation which is led by a strong and wise Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.