Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said Tehran was not looking for a war but would respond "appropriately" to Israel's strikes.
"We do not seek war but we will defend the rights of our nation and country," Pezeshkian told a cabinet meeting. He added: "We will give an appropriate response to the aggression of the Zionist regime."
It is not clear if Pezeshkian was indicating Iran would contemplate a direct military response, step up efforts to arm regional proxies including Hezbollah, or consider other diplomatic protests in response to Saturday's airstrikes.
His remarks came amid a debate in Iran over whether the Israeli attack, more limited than some had predicted, warranted a military response and if Tehran would be seen as weak if it did nothing.
The US has said it is concerned that the cycle of tit-for-tat strikes between the Middle East's largest military powers could lead to a full-scale regional war.
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said yesterday in his first response to the attack that the "evil committed by the Zionist regime two nights ago should neither be downplayed nor exaggerated".
He said Iran's power should be demonstrated to Israel, adding: "It is up to the authorities to determine how to convey the power and will of the Iranian people to the Israeli regime and to take actions that serve the interests of this nation."
Denne historien er fra October 28, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 28, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Are the players at Old Trafford good enough for a new face to inspire future title challenges?
Rrik ten Hag is culled while players paid millions to realise Manchester United's on-field product remain, posting heartfelt \"thank you boss\" farewells on social media while still collecting their lucrative pay-packets.
Israeli strike on flats in northern Gaza kills at least 93
Scores of Palestinians, including many women and children, have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a crowded block of flats in the town of Beit Lahiya as Israel pressed on with its assault on northern Gaza.
Amorim on his way United ready to pay £8.3m for Sporting head coach
Amorim led Sporting from despair but testing waters await
The 39-year-old built a legacy in Lisbon on consistency and charisma but his hiring would be a major gamble. Can he transfer his watchwords to the Theatre of Dreams?
Flekken's shootout stop spares Bees' blushes
Brentford reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after beating Sheffield Wednesday 5-4 on penalties.
Clinton shows England have generational midfield talent on their hands
It is debatable precisely how much can be gleaned from this workout against a team ranked 50th in the world who lost 5-0 to Denmark on Friday but, if England can take one certainty from this victory, it is this: in Grace Clinton, they have found a generational midfielder who they can build the team around for at least the next four major tournaments.
Wiegman's shuffled pack stumble to sloppy victory
There were more questions to be asked than answers provided in England's 2-1 win over South Africa, but, to a certain extent, friendlies are when they can afford to be far from their best.
England take a punt on Bethell for NZ tour
Warwickshire's Jacob Bethell appears to be England's latest punt, with the 21-year-old batter named in the 16-man Test squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
New Test keeper Cox will not don gloves in West Indies white-ball series
The new England Test wicketkeeper Jordan Cox will not take the gloves against West Indies after being told to \"concentrate on his batting\" for the white-ball series.
Head coach opts for continuity but wants a fast and furious England to face the All Blacks
Far-reaching implications, pivotal decisions, an expectant nation. But let's not dwell on Rachel Reeves's mega budget and instead examine the intricacies of Steve Borthwick's first autumnal England team selection.
