“We will act if necessary not just against Iran’s proxies but against Iran itself.”

He also urged his audience to help contain Iran and made his point with a map which he said illustrated Iran’s growing influence across the Middle East.

But Mr Rezaie played down the remarks as a theatrical move and a childish game, according to Fars, and added: “The US and Israeli leaders don’t know Iran and don’t understand the power of resistance and therefore, they continuously face defeat.”

The tough words on both sides at the international event come as Israel is increasingly seeking to cooperate with Sunni Arab states that share its worries about Shia Iran.

For months, Mr Netanyahu has touted what he describes as unprecedented levels of behind-the-scenes cooperation.

Among Israel’s main concerns is Lebanon, where the heavily armed Iran-backed Shi’ite militia Hezbollah is part of a coalition government.

Israel last fought a war against Hezbollah in 2006. Tension between Israel and Lebanon has increased as Hezbollah has gained strength fighting in Syria, and the two countries also have a maritime border dispute.

Israel has carried out air strikes in Syria against suspected Iranian arms shipments to Hezbollah and has accused Tehran of planning to build missile factories in Lebanon.