TEHRAN, Iran A senior Iranian commander says a possible Israeli airstrike against his countrys nuclear facilities is welcome because it would give Iran a reason to retaliate and get rid of the Jewish state forever.
The remarks by Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guards air force, were reported Saturday by the official IRNA news agency.
Hajizadeh says in the event of an Israeli strike, Irans response would be swift, decisive and destructive. But he also claims Israeli threats of a strike are just part of a psychological war against Iran.
His comments are the latest in a war of words between the archenemies.
Israel considers Iran an existential threat because of its suspect nuclear program. Iran denies seeking atomic weapons, saying its uranium enrichment is for peaceful purposes only.
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