INTERNATIONAL: War games conducted on Friday by Iran in the Gulf were intended to send a warning to Israel, the country's top military commanders have announced on Saturday, amid concerns over possible Israeli plans to target Iranian nuclear sites.

Guards chief General Hossein Salami says the drills had a "very clear" message aimed at Israel. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri has said 16 ballistic missiles of different classes had been fired simultaneously and had destroyed predetermined targets.

Britain has condemned the launch of ballistic missiles during the war games."These actions are a threat to regional and international security, and we call on Iran to immediately cease its activities," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Iran says its ballistic missiles have a range of 2,000 kilometres and are capable of reaching arch-foe Israel and U.S. bases in the region.

Israel, which opposes efforts by world powers to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal, has long threatened military action if diplomacy fails.

Iran says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz has called on world powers not to allow Iran to play for time at the nuclear negotiations, in recess at Iran's request and scheduled to resume this Monday.

Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with a nuclear arsenal.