TEHRAN - The recent remarks by a U.S. official are meant to increase arms sales and create fear in the region, Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said on Wednesday.

“Such views are not official… in our view… such remarks are unimportant and do not require a response,” Vahidi told reporters on Wednesday.
He went on to say that the United States is seeking to promote Iranophobia in the region.
On Saturday, Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the United States is “very ready” to counter Iran should it make a move, AP reported.
“The United States takes very seriously our security commitments in the Persian Gulf region,” Mullen said following a meeting with Bahrain’s king.
In Iran, the new foreign minister -- and current nuclear chief -- said on Saturday that he wants to build the country’s relationship with Saudi Arabia and strengthen ties with Turkey, China, and Russia