New Delhi, June 22 -- West Asia expert and veteran journalist Waiel Awwad on Sunday said that Iran, as an ancient civilisation, will not bow down to US pressure and has every right to respond to any military aggression under international law.

Speaking to ANI following the US-led airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Awwad criticised the move and called it a "provocative step" by US President Donald Trump, warning that retaliation from Iran is expected.

"Iran is a civilisation and Iran will not succumb to the pressure of the United States," Awwad said.

"I think this is a very provocative step taken by an American president who's supposed to be leading this world to avoid wars... I think there will be a retaliation from the Iranian ...