The US believes Israel’s strikes against Iran on Saturday “should be the end” of direct conflict between the two countries.

The White House also warned Iran that, following Israel’s long-awaited retaliation against the Islamic Republic there would be “consequences” if it decided to respond.

Using stealth fighter jets and drones, Israel launched its assault at about 2.15am in response to the barrage of nearly 200 missiles and drones which Iran sent raining over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv three weeks ago.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, had promised Iran “would pay for” the salvo, which itself was a retaliation after Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah.