Israel's Prime Minister has warned the US Congress that Iran's nuclear programme is a global menace.

In the historic address, Benjamin Netanyahu received countless standing ovations from American lawmakers - as he said everyone must stand together to stop Tehran's march of "conquest."

He prompted one of more than 20 standing ovations as he told lawmakers: "Iran's regime poses a grave threat, not only to Israel but also to the peace of the entire world."

But President Barack Obama said Mr Netanyahu "didn't offer any viable alternatives" in his speech.

The White House has given the Israeli PM the cold shoulder because his visit was arranged with congressional Republicans, without notifying the White House in advance. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers said they would boycott the speech out of loyalty to Mr Obama.

But Mr Netanyahu, who was greeted by thunderous applause as he arrived at the US House of Representatives, told lawmakers: "I deeply regret that some perceive my being here as political... That was never my intention."

He urged the United States and other world powers to hold out for a "better deal" with Iran. "This deal won't be farewell to arms - it will be a farewell to arms control," he said.

Mr Netanyahu told lawmakers Iran's programme "could well threaten the survival of my country and the future of my people".