The Iranian defence minister has suggested that his country is prepared to send 150,000 missiles to attack Israel.

Ahmad Vahidi, who is wanted by Interpol for his alleged role in the 1994 bombing of the Buenos Aires Jewish centre, was quoted making the claim by the Fars News agency.

Mr Vahidi said of the possibility of an Israel strike: "How many missiles have they prepared themselves for? 10,000? 20,000? 50,000? 100,000, 150,000 or more?"

He also said that "the US and its allies should know that Iran is so powerful that its battling will teach the US how to fight and what war and warrior mean".

Over the weekend Iran also voted to downgrade diplomatic ties with Britain.

The decision, taken because Britain agreed to impose sanctions against Iran's central bank, could mean that Britain's ambassador to Iran, Dominic Chilcott, will be expelled.