Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves as he addresses the Iranian residents of Dubai May 13, 2007. Iran's President promised on Monday "severe" Iranian retaliation if the United States decided to attack his country, which is in a standoff with the West over its nuclear programme.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Visiting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday vowed a "severe" retaliation to any possible U.S. military attack on his country.

Ahmadinejad, who is on a two-day state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), issued the warning during a press conference held to wrap up his visit on Monday.

"If they (the United States) make such a mistake, the retaliation of Iran would be severe and they will repent," Ahmadinejad said.

The Gulf region does not need foreign countries in maintaining its security, he added.

Ahmadinejad arrived in the UAE on Sunday, a day after the departure of U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney who is touring in the Middle East to seek support for the U.S. policies over Iraq and Iran.

During his visit in the UAE, Cheney vowed aboard the nuclear-powered USS John C. Stennis as it cruised about 240 km off Iran that the United States will "stand with others to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons and dominating this region."

Editor: Yan