The commander in chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threatened the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia in a speech on Monday during a gathering of regime supporters in Tehran.

Hossein Salami directing his remarks at the leaders of these countries, said, “You have been slapped hard by us and have not been able to respond…but if you cross the red lines, we will annihilate you”.

Iran shot down a U.S. drone over the Persian Gulf in June, detained a British-flagged tanker in July and was blamed for drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil installations in September, without encountering any military response.

Salami also said, “whoever wants to violate our property, lives or honor will receive hard punishment, as a lesson to all. We showed decency but be careful, our patience has a limit. You should respect the Iranian people”.

Iran was rocked by widespread protests last week that according to military officials was “a miracle” to control. Today’s gathering of regime supporters was meant to show the regime still has a base among the people.

Salami told the crowd, “Believe me, we are now in a world war and at this moment you are in the process of defeating all the power of arrogance [United States and the West}.

He added, “Our enemy is exhausted and its military power is corroded and no power can stand against the army and Guards of Islam.” He also insisted that the protests were an international conspiracy.

Iran is facing a tough economic situation, largely due to U.S. economic sanctions. The World Bank has estimated Iran's economy will shrink by 9.5 percent this year.