Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Wednesday that Tehran would strike back with everything it has if attacked over its nuclear program, which the United States believes is aimed at making atomic weapons.

Khamenei, who has previously threatened U.S. regional interests if attacked, was speaking in the northeastern city of Mashhad to mark the Iranian new year, which falls on March 21.

"If they want to threaten us and use force and violence against us, they should not doubt that Iranian officials will use all they have in their power to deal a blow to those who assault them," he said in an address carried by Iranian television news.

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The United Nations Security Council is considering new sanctions against Iran over its refusal to suspend its uranium enrichment program, whose product can be used to make fuel for power generation or, when more highly enriched, nuclear weapons.

Iran, the world's fourth largest oil exporter, insists the program is peaceful and aimed solely at generating electricity.

Khamenei said Iran's nuclear work followed international rules, but if major powers via the Security Council took "illegal actions" and ignored Iran's rights, "we can also carry out illegal actions and we will do that."

Washington has said it would prefer a diplomatic solution to the standoff, but has not ruled out military options.

More on the nuclear standoff with Iran