India, Feb. 28 -- Iran on Saturday warned it would respond firmly after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on its territory earlier in the day. In its first reaction to the attack, the Iranian Foreign Affairs Ministry said the country is "ready to defend itself" and will ensure those responsible face consequences.

The ministry described the action as unlawful and accused Washington and Tel Aviv of violating international norms. It said the assault breached the United Nations Charter and undermined global stability.

"The renewed military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran constitutes a violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter," the statement read.

"The...