We're going to hit American bases in the region if we're forced into a conflict” says Iran

Some officials from the other side threaten conflict if the negotiations do not yield results. If a conflict is imposed on us... all American bases are within our reach and we will target them courageously at host places”, Nasrzadeh said during a weekly press conference.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran with bombings if it fails to reach a new nuclear agreement.

The next round of talks is scheduled this week, with Trump saying negotiations will be held Thursday, while Tehran says they will be held Sunday in Oman.

Iran is expected to present a counterproposal to a previous US offer of a nuclear deal it rejected, with Trump saying on Tuesday that Iran was becoming a much more aggressive “at nuclear talks, the telegraph reads.

Tehran and Washington have crashed over the issue of enriching uranium on Iranian soil, which Western powers consider a possible route to nuclear weapons development.

Iran claims its nuclear programme is simply for civilian purposes.

Another sticking point in the talks has been Iran's missile programme. Ballistic missiles make up an important part of Iran's arsenal.

Nasirzadah said Tehran recently tested a rocket with a two-tonne warhead and does not accept restrictions.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had said in February that Iran must further develop its army, including its missiles. /Periscope/