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."
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Amorim asks for survival mode after Wolves loss
Ruben Amorim said Manchester United must adopt survival mode to end their miserable run after a fourth defeat in five Premier League matches dropped them to 14th, eight points above the relegation zone.
'We have to try' Guardiola calls for January signings after Everton draw
Pep Guardiola and the Manchester City board will discuss new signings for the January transfer window this week, the manager said after his team dropped another two points in the 1-1 draw with Everton.
Arteta backs Martinelli to step up after Saka injury
Mikel Arteta is hoping Gabriel Martinelli can help to fill the void created by Bukayo Saka's hamstring injury, with the England forward likely to miss key fixtures including the north London derby next month.
Wilson and Muniz pounce late to cast doubt on Chelsea's title credentials
Perhaps there will be some debate around Fulham's equaliser after 82 minutes of this 2-1 derby win for Marco Silva's team at Stamford Bridge.
Jones and Salah clear path at the top for Liverpool
Liverpool have kicked off at 8pm on a Boxing Day twice in their history.
Tonali helps Newcastle ease past 10-man Villa
Sandro Tonali has brought Newcastle an abundance of gifts but perhaps foremost among them is the rare ability to slow games down that offers Eddie Howe's high-intensity team the sort of invaluable control they have so often lacked in recent months.
Elanga takes Forest third and deepens Postecoglou's pain
The mist rolled in with such increasing density from the Trent that eventually it was difficult to make out which Tottenham player was running down which blind alley. But what is crystal clear is Nottingham Forest's momentum which, after Anthony Elanga's third goal in successive games, has lifted them into third place in the Premier League.
Haaland's wasted spot-kick adds to Guardiola's gloom
Manchester City's plight is their individual kind of déjà vu nightmare.
Fabianski carried off but Bowen edges out Juric's new Saints
If we take the view that Southampton are doomed - as a reminder, no club has ever stayed in the Premier League with such a lowly points tally at this stage of the season - then small positives must be sought wherever possible for the beleaguered regulars at St Mary's.
'Rubbish game' but Guéhi content with valuable point
The visiting captain, Marc Guéhi, branded Crystal Palace's goalless draw with Bournemouth a \"rubbish game\" and \"boring for the neutral\".
