UN Security Council members urge restraint between Israel and Iran

United Nations Security Council members urged Israel and Iran on Monday to end their spiraling cycle of tit-for-tat attacks on one another, following Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Iran.

“All sides must exercise restraint. No good can come of pouring more fuel on the flames of this escalating cycle of violence,” said British Ambassador Barbara Woodward.

Iran’s foreign minister requested the Security Council meet in an emergency session following an early Saturday wave of airstrikes by Israel that struck missile factories in three Iranian provinces. Council members Algeria, China and Russia supported Tehran’s request.

“Now West Jerusalem is trying to involve Iran in confrontation -- Iran, which is showing unprecedented restraint under the circumstances,” Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said, referring to Israel. Russia is a close ally of Iran.

“It is very difficult not to have the impression that West Jerusalem is intentionally raising tensions, despite the signals from Tehran that they are ready to refrain from further spiraling confrontation,” he added, referring to Israel. “It is our view that such aggressive actions on the part of Israel are aimed at further stoking the flames of war, are unacceptable and need to stop."

Israel’s strikes came weeks after Iran fired about 200 ballistic missiles at Israel amid Israel’s wars with Iranian proxies Hamas and Hezbollah in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the Israeli strikes "should not be exaggerated nor downplayed," while stopping short of calling for retaliation. It was Israel's first open attack on its archenemy’s territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the attacks achieved Israel’s goals, including harming Iran’s defense capabilities and its ability to produce missiles.

His envoy told the Security Council that Israel’s response was “measured and proportionate,” but warned of stiff consequences if provoked again.

“To Iran’s leaders, take this as a warning: Israel has shown restraint. But from here on, you will see only strength,” Danny Danon said. “Any further aggression will be met with consequences that are swift and decisive.”

Iran’s envoy accused Israel of violating international law and the U.N. Charter and said Washington’s support had emboldened it to attack its neighbors.

“Regrettably, unwavering and unconditional support provided by the United States to Israel, coupled with its obstruction of the Security Council mandate as a permanent member, has emboldened Israel to persist in its crimes and aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, and now against Iran, gravely undermining regional peace and security,” said Amir Saeed Iravani.

He urged the Security Council to respond with “firm and dissolute action” and condemn Israel’s actions.

U.S. envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Washington does not want to see further escalation and she delivered messages to both parties.

“Today, the United States’ message for Israel remains clear: We will always help secure its people and territory from Iran and its terrorist proxies and partners,” she said. “Our message for Iran remains clear, as well: Should it choose to undertake further aggressive acts against Israel or U.S. personnel in the region, there will be severe consequences. We will not hesitate to act in self-defense.”