The United States issued a warning to Iran during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, stating that there would be “severe consequences” for any further aggressive actions against Israel or U.S. personnel in the Middle East.

“We will not hesitate to act in self-defense. Let there be no misunderstanding. The United States seeks to avoid further escalation. We believe this should mark the conclusion of direct hostilities between Israel and Iran,” stated U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, addressing the 15-member council.

This Security Council session was convened following Israel’s airstrikes on missile production facilities and other locations in Iran early Saturday morning, which were in retaliation for Iran’s missile attack on Israel on October 1, involving approximately 200 ballistic missiles.

In response, Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saied Iravani accused the U.S. of being “complicit” due to its military support for Israel. “Iran has consistently advocated for diplomacy,” he remarked to the council. “Nevertheless, as a sovereign nation, the Islamic Republic of Iran maintains its right to respond at a time of its choosing to this act of aggression.”

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon urged the Security Council to implement “crippling sanctions” targeting Iran’s military and economic systems, emphasizing the need to take decisive actions to prevent a “lunatic regime” from acquiring nuclear capabilities.

He characterized Israel’s military actions against Iran as “measured and proportionate,” reaffirming the nation’s commitment to self-defense. “Any further aggression will be met with swift and decisive consequences,” Danon stated, while also clarifying that “Israel does not seek war.”

China’s U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong called for the United States—without naming it directly—to prioritize “saving lives and preventing war” and to support the U.N. Security Council in advocating for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a reduction in hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia criticized the United States for its backing of Israel, asserting, “Jerusalem is unwilling to abandon its approach of resolving conflicts with neighbors solely through force. Their resolve to act in this manner is bolstered by support from American allies.”

Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward advised Iran against retaliating to Israel’s recent attack, stating, “All parties must exercise restraint. Escalating violence will only exacerbate the situation.”