18 February

Iran's foreign minister has condemned Israel's airstrikes against Iranian military facilities in Syria.

Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke at an international conference in Germany on Sunday.

Zarif said Iran was invited to Syria by the Syrian government for the purpose of fighting terror.

Referring to Israel's air campaigns in Syria, Zarif noted the risk of war between Iran and Israel is great. He said the risk will be even greater if other countries turn a blind eye to severe violations of international law.

Iran has refrained from counterattacks against the Israeli air raids. But after last month's airstrikes, a senior officer of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps has indicated it could take retaliatory steps against Israel.

NHK