Iran has cautioned Israel against a counterstrike to its retaliatory attack earlier today, saying it would not “hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests”.

In a statement, its foreign ministry said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran would not hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests against any act of military aggression or unlawful use of force.”

It asserted that the Iranian attacks were in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter against Israel’s strike on its diplomatic premises in Syria earlier this month.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, while reiterating its determination to forcefully defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests against any unlawful use of force and aggressions,” the ministry added.

It said its action demonstrated Iran’s “responsible approach toward regional and international peace and security at a time when the occupying apartheid regime’s pattern of relentless genocidal campaign against Palestinian people is accompanied with repeated military aggressions against neighbouring states”.