As part of Iran’s celebrations commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, the Deputy head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) political bureau Yadollah Javani said the Jewish state would suffer if America struck Iran.

“The United States does not have the courage to shoot a single bullet at us despite all its defensive and military assets. But if they attack us, we will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground,” said Javani, according to state news agency IRNA, and reported by Reuters.

“Islamic Iran has reached a level… to protect its borders by effective military capabilities, and firmly punish any aggressor,” said Brigadier General Ramezan Sharif, spokesman for the IRGC.

In response to the threat, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a strong statement against Iranian aggression.

“I do not ignore the threats of the Iranian regime, but neither am I intimidated by them. If this regime makes the awful mistake of trying to destroy Tel Aviv and Haifa, it will not succeed. However, this would be the last anniversary of the revolution that they celebrate. They should take this into account.”

Iran’s leaders spoke at a rally marking the 40th anniversary of the overthrow of the Shah – Mohammad Reza Pahlavi – in 1979 and the imposition of an Islamic theocracy. The effects of the end of centuries of monarchic rule are still being felt in both Iran and the region.

The celebrations included several instance of muscle flexing, including the launch and test of new missiles, which would put Israel squarely within precise range of the Iranian armed forces.

Chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” can often be heard at these kinds of rallies.

Despite the show of national solidarity, Iran faces acute economic distress, following U.S. President Donald Trump administration’s imposition of sanctions.