Iran Guardian Council warns US of 'harsh response' if it intervenes

Iran's deputy foreign minister warned the United States on Thursday against intervening in the war to back up its ally Israel, adding that his country was ready to defend itself in case of escalation.

"If the United States wants to actively enter the field in favor of the Zionist regime, Iran will have to use its tools to both teach a lesson to aggressors and defend its national security and national interests," said deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi, according to state TV.

"Naturally, our military decision makers have all the necessary options on the table," he added.

- Iran Guardian Council warns US of 'harsh response' -

A key Iranian body warned the United States on Thursday that any intervention in support of its ally Israel would be met with a "harsh response".

"The criminal American government and its stupid president must know for sure that if they make a mistake and take action against Islamic Iran, they will face a harsh response from the Islamic Republic of Iran," the Guardian Council said in a statement carried by state television.

- China says opposes 'use of force' -

China said Thursday it opposed the "use of force", in response to a question about U.S. President Donald Trump warning he was weighing U.S. military action in the Israel-Iran conflict.

Beijing "opposes any act that... infringes upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of other countries, and opposes the use or threat of use of force in international relations", foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing.

China also urged countries in the Middle East, "especially Israel", to cease fighting.

"China strongly calls on all parties involved in the conflict, especially Israel, to put the interests of the region's people first, immediately cease fire and stop fighting," Jiakun said.

- Russia warns US against 'military intervention' -

Russia's foreign ministry on Thursday warned the United States not to take military action against Iran.

"We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation, which would be an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences," the ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.