“Ignorance and arrogance have a dangerous result if combined. US President Donald Trump is surrounded by such people and the result is recent problematic actions,” Zarif said.

“Iran targeted the base from which US attacked General Soleimani. We took a legitimate action. The only revenge is US’ withdrawal from the region,” he told reporters.

Answering a question about US casualties following IRGC attack against Ain al-Asad air base, Zarif said, “I still have no record. Military officials will certainly announce the number”.

“Iran attacked a legitimate target, according to international law. Our operation was in line with our legitimate right of defence against a terrorist military act,” he continued.

Speaking about whether Iran and US exchanged any message during previous hours, he said, “We delivered our message to Washington through envoys representing US interests in Tehran”.

The top diplomat praised the IRGC operation and said, “Regional countries are strongly concerned about US’ dangerous adventures”.

Stressing that US’ presence in the region has come to an end, Zarif said, “Given the amount of public hatred against US in the region, it is spending its final days in the region and certainly, it won’t have any future here”.