WASHINGTON - The White House on Wednesday dismissed the reported Iranian threat to send naval ships near the United States, saying such maneuver exceeds the limits of the Islamic republic's capability.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney made the remarks during his regular press briefing, saying the White House doesn't take these statements "seriously."

"They do not reflect at all Iran's naval capabilities," said Carney.

On Tuesday, Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency quoted a commander as saying Iran plans to send ships near the Atlantic coast of the United States to establish a presence near the marine borders of the United States.