Iran issues chilling warning to Israel as it vows 'harsher reactions' with entire region on the brink of war

He emphasised that a key goal of his visit is "to discuss how Asian countries can prevent Israeli crimes in the region...and prevent enemies from causing uproar in the Middle East."

"If the Zionist regime (Israel) does not stop its crimes, it will face harsher reactions," Pezeshkian said.

The statement comes in the wake of Iran's recent missile attack on Israel, which saw waves of ballistic missiles fired across the region.

Israel has vowed to retaliate, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledging to strike back at Iran.

The escalating tensions have raised concerns of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Israel has already stepped up its war with Iran's proxy Hezbollah by sending troops over the border into Lebanon, describing the operations as "limited, localised".

Pezeshkian, speaking as he departed for a scheduled trip to Qatar, emphasised that the situation could worsen if Israel does not alter its course.

The Iranian missile attack on Israel began while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, according to Downing Street.

The attack was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week.

The situation has prompted international concern, with the UK Foreign Office urging British citizens in Lebanon to leave the country. A chartered flight is scheduled to depart from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday, costing £350 per seat.

Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that British forces "played their part" in attempts to prevent further violence. It is understood that RAF jets were involved in efforts to intercept the Iranian missiles targeted at Israel, similar to their role during Iran's drone and cruise missile barrage in April.

Healey stated: "British forces have this evening played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East."

He added: "I want to thank all British personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism."

The Defence Secretary is set to visit Cyprus to meet troops preparing for potential evacuations of British citizens from Lebanon.

Starmer has expressed his support for Israel in the wake of the Iranian attack.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, Starmer said: "We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self-defence in the face of this aggression."

He called on Iran to cease its attacks, stating: "Iran must stop these attacks.

"Together with its proxies like Hezbollah, Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long, chaos and destruction brought not just to Israel, but to the people they live amongst in Lebanon and beyond."

Starmer emphasised Britain's stance against violence, saying, "Make no mistake, Britain stands full square against such violence. We support Israel's reasonable demand for the security of its people."

The Labour leader also expressed deep concern about the risk of miscalculation and the region being on the brink of further conflict.