Iran's Revolutionary Guards test fired missiles in wargames today which a commander said could sink "big warships" in the Gulf, Sea of Oman and the north of the Indian Ocean.
Iran is at loggerheads with the United States over its disputed nuclear programme and what Washington calls its meddling in Iraq.
The United States has ordered a second aircraft carrier to the Gulf to step up pressure on Iran.
"These missiles, with a maximum range of 220 miles, can hit different kinds of big warships in all of the Persian Gulf, all of the Sea of Oman and the north of the Indian Ocean," senior Revolutionary Guards naval commander Ali Fadavi said.
He was also quoted by the state broadcaster's Web site as saying missile's warhead had the capacity to sink "all kinds of big warships".
State television reported that the missile tests, staged on the second day of wargames by the Guards' naval and air units, were "to show that Iran is able to confront any possible threats."
Washington accuses the Iran of seeking to develop atomic weapons, a charge Iran denies. Tehran also dismisses allegations that it is backing militants in Iraq.
Later, Iran's top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the Islamic Republic would target the interests around the world of any aggressor.
"The enemies know well that any aggression will lead to a reaction from all sides in the Iranian nation on the aggressors and their interests around the world," he was quoted as saying by state television.