*LONDON – A senior Iranian cleric warned Washington on Wednesday that ifit attacked Iran, the United States and allied Israel would be targeted, asa war of words escalated after the United States reimposed sanctions onIran.*

Ahmad Khatami also told worshippers attending Eid prayers in Tehran thatPresident Donald Trump’s offer of talks with Iranian leaders wasunacceptable as the US leader wanted Tehran to concede on its missileprogram and regional influence.

“Americans say you should accept what we say in the talks. So this is notnegotiation, but dictatorship. The Islamic Republic and the Iranian nationwould stand up against dictatorship,” Khatami was quoted as saying by Mizannews agency.

“The price of a war with Iran is very high for America. They know if theyharm this country and this state in the slightest way, the United Statesand its main ally in the region, the Zionist regime (Israel), would betargeted,” Khatami said.

Iran has said it could target Israeli cities with missiles if it isthreatened. Iran also has proxies in the region, including Lebanon’sHezbollah group.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday Iran’s military prowesswas what deterred Washington from attacking it, and vowed to boost Iran’smilitary might.

The Trump administration reimposed sanctions on Iran this month afterwithdrawing from the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, saying itwas too soft on Tehran and would not stop it developing a nuclear bomb.