The Iranian ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi is speaking in an exclusive interview on The World With Yalda Hakim.
Speaking on the last three days, he says the "barbaric Israeli regime" is "violating international law" and described Israel's action in recent days as an "act of aggression against the Iranian people".
Questioned on whether Iran has the capability to continue, he says "it is a matter of principle".
"This is about self-defence, there is no doubt about it," he says.
"We are a responsible member state of the UN and we do all activities according to our international obligation.
"Any activities are only in the framework of self-defence."
He says Iran is "going to do its best" to preserve is "territorial integrity".
"With the help of God we are going to materialise endeavours concretely against our enemy - the Israeli regime," he says.
Asked about a report from Reuters which said Donald Trump vetoed Israel's request to kill Ayatollah Khamenei, the ambassador says "Netanyahu should be punished".
"It is very important that Trump and the US should know their responsibilities and obligations according to the UN charter," he adds.