Iranian and Russian workers at the reactor core of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran (file photo) (epa)
1 February, 2006 -- Iran's defense minister today warned that Iran will give an "extremely quick and destructive response" to any attack against the country's nuclear facilities.
Mustafa Mohammad Najjar made his remarks in Iran's southern province of Bushehr, where Iran's first nuclear reactor is being completed. He said protecting the atomic reactor in Bushehr is of "great importance" to Iran.
Najjar's remarks come as Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad and his cabinet members started a three-day visit to the southern province.
Ahmadinejad reiterated on 1 February that Iran has a right to have nuclear power and that the West will not sway Iran from its nuclear ambitions.
