TEHRAN, Iran — Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Saturday he does not view recent U.S. missile strikes on ally Syria as a message for Iran, which he called a “powerful country” that the U.S. cannot harm.

The controversial former president made the remarks to The Associated Press on Saturday in his office in northern Tehran, three days after he stunned Iranians by registering to run for president again.

Recommended Stories

All 9 people aboard a jet that crashed in Florida have died, transportation secretary says

WATCH LIVE: Trump campaigns in Iowa just days before midterm elections

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien backs Ashley Moody in Florida Senate race