Hatami spoke just two days after US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced the creation of a group responsible for ramping up economic and political pressure on Iran now that President Donald Trump has withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear accord.

Development of “missile capabilities, considered as our defensive deterrent power, will remain Iran’s top priority despite crippling economic sanctions imposed by the US,” Hatami was quoted as saying on state TV, state-run Mehr news agency reported. “If any country wants to threaten our security, it will receive a crushing response.”

The new equipment will be showcased on Wednesday when Iran marks National Defence Industry Day, Hatami said. Iran needs to increase its missiles’ “accuracy and functionality” in light of adversaries boosting their military programs, he said.

Earlier this month, Iran unveiled a new generation of missiles dubbed the “Fateh Mobin,” citing the need to protect the nation. Iran’s ballistic missile programme is one reason the US has given for quitting an international nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposing sanctions, beginning this month.