DOHA: Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar warned Tuesday that Tehran has "great means of deterrence" to face any possible attack over its nuclear programme.

"We are highly confident about our capacities, and our great means of deterrence," he said during a visit to Doha, where he signed a security agreement between Iran and Qatar -- a major regional US ally.

"We do not feel in danger... If someone tries to endanger our national security, we will retaliate and make him regret his action," he added.

Tehran is locked in a standoff with the West over its nuclear programme which is suspected of being aimed at developing atomic bomb, while Iran insists it was for peaceful purposes.

Israel has not ruled out striking Iran's nuclear sites.

Najjar said on Tuesday that Iran was working on strengthening relations with its Arab neighbours in the oil-rich Gulf region to "ensure security and stability in the region."

His country's security agreement with Qatar focuses mainly on the issue of combating crime, drug trafficking and money laundering, as well as the protection of borders.

Qatar, which maintains good relations with Iran, hosts the US Al-Udeid air base and As-Sailiyah camp, which is the headquarters of the US Central Command since 2002.

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