Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said Wednesday that Iran will target Israel's military sites, including its nuclear establishments, if attacked, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.

Iran will give a crushing response to any threats posed by the "Zionist" (Israeli) forces, Vahidi told reporters upon his arrival in Damascus.

"Should the Zionist forces pose any threat against Iran, we will never hesitate to target their nuclear sites," he was quoted as saying.

Promoting relations and cooperation between the two countries and boosting defense ties are the main objectives of Vahidi's visit to Syria.

He described Iran and Syria as "two strategic allies" that have worked for establishment of peace and stability in the region.

Vahidi arrived in Damascus Tuesday evening on a three-day visit, according to IRNA.

Syria is Iran's close ally in the region. Currently, Iran is carrying out a large number of economic projects in Syria, including car production and housing projects, and Damascus hosts thousands of Iranian tourists and pilgrims every year.