Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: "Threat of military action against Iran a joke"

He made the remarks at a press briefing before leaving the Azeri capital Friday evening after the conclusion of the 9th summit of heads of state and parliament speakers of member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Reacting to recent reports by the Western media that Iran could face military action if it failed to give up its nuclear programs, the president said "those who write and say such things about Iran have no idea about this country."

"I advise them to take a look at the map of Iran and see where it is located and how big it is," said the president, who also urged reporters to "study the history of Iran and learn about the nation better."

Asked to comment on negative propaganda being waged by some media over Tehran-Baku relations, President Ahmadinejad said: "We are in close proximity to the Azeri people and regard them as our close friends, too."

According to IRNA, he said that Tehran considers the security and progress of Azerbaijan as important as its own.

"Those who make such comments do not sincerely believe in them," said the president without further elaborating.

He added that Tehran and Baku have been cooperating in the fields of energy, industry, trade, transportation and culture and have common views on political, regional and international developments.

"Iran-Azerbaijan ties are lasting and progressing and will further develop in the future considering the present political will of the two capitals," Ahmadinejad said.