Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei speaks at a press conference in Tehran. (Photo: IRNA/VNA)

Baghaei told a press conference on Monday that a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon remains the goal for Iran. He urged the United Nations Security Council to take a "decisive and firm" stance on the attack.

The US warned Iran Monday of severe consequences if Iran undertakes any further aggressive acts against Israel or US personnel in the Middle East. Addressing a UNSC meeting, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas Greenfield said that in case of an attack from Iran, the US will not hesitate to act in self-defense. The US does not want to see further escalation and hopes that this will be the end of the direct exchange of fire between Israel and Iran.

Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saied Iravani accused Washington of being "complicit" through military support for Israel. Iran has consistently championed diplomacy, he told the council, and as a sovereign state, Iran reserves its inherent right to respond at a time of its choosing to this act of aggression.

Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Policy of the European Union renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and condemned Israel’s “unacceptable attacks” on UN peacekeepers in its war against Hezbollah.