Iran would strike back at Israeli weapons manufacturing sites and nuclear installations if the Jewish state attacks the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities, Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

Israel has not ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve an international dispute over Iran's nuclear programme, which the West suspects is aimed at making bombs.

Iran denies the charge and says it would retaliate if attacked.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces are fully prepared," Vahidi told reporters during a visit to Syria, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

If attacked by Israel, Iran's first targets would include various weapons manufacturing sites and "unconventional nuclear centres", Vahidi said. – Reuters