TERHRAN -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh said here Wednesday that Iran will strike U.S. military bases across the region if nuclear talks with the United States fail and conflict erupts. 
The warning comes just days ahead of the expected sixth round of negotiations between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said, “If a conflict is imposed on us … all U.S. bases are within our reach and we will boldly target them in host countries.” 
He also said Iran successfully conducted a missile test last week, which featured a two-tonne warhead. The minister hailed the achievement as a major step forward in Iran’s defense capabilities.
“We have made very good progress in defense affairs,” Nasirzadeh said, stressing that Iran’s armed forces are fully equipped and have the upper hand in any conflict.
He warned the U.S. that any act of aggression against Tehran will result in heavy losses to American forces.
His warning came amid reports of gaps between Iran and the U.S. to resolve disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program and remove sanctions on the Islamic Republic. 
Iran said on Monday it would soon hand a counterproposal for a nuclear deal to the United States in response to a U.S. offer that Tehran deems unacceptable, while U.S. President Donald Trump said talks would continue.
The top U.S. general overseeing American forces in West Asia, however, said on Tuesday there were a range of options when asked if the military was prepared to respond with force if talks with Iran failed.
“I have provided the secretary of defense and the president with a wide range of options,” U.S. Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told a congressional hearing.
“Every so often it is said that if negotiations fail, it will lead to a conflict. On behalf of the Iranian nation, I declare that in case a conflict is imposed upon us, we will strike our designated targets, the enemy will suffer heavy casualties, and America must leave the region,” Nasirzadeh said.
He also stressed that Iran’s defensive capabilities are non-negotiable. 
Iran and the U.S. have held five rounds of talks since April 12, mediated by Oman. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced on Monday that the next round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. will be held in Oman on June 15.