Russia, Iran warn against further escalation in Middle East| Highlights

The Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel triggered widespread reactions from leaders and officials around the world. Check reactions here

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Iranian airstrikes on Israel "in the strongest possible terms," a spokesperson said during a visit by Scholz to China. 

"With this irresponsible and unjustifiable attack, Iran is risking a regional conflagration," government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said.

 "Germany stands closely by Israel's side," Hebestreit said. "We will now discuss further reactions closely with our G7 partners and allies."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to U.S. President Joe Biden after the meetings by Israel's war cabinet and security cabinet to discuss hostilities with Iran.

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Sunday over Iran's unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel, the body's president said.

A spokesperson for Malta, which holds the rotating presidency this month, said the Security Council was aiming for the meeting to be held at 4:00 pm (2000 GMT) at Israel's request.

Gilad Erdan, the Ambassador of Israel to the United Nations, has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to announce urgent steps following Iran's recent attack on Israel. In a tweet posted late into the night, Erdan revealed that he had dispatched an urgent letter to the President of the Security Council, calling for an immediate convening of the council. Erdan's letter demands the unequivocal condemnation of Iran's attack on Israel and urges the Security Council to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.

"Iran's attack is a significant threat to world peace and security and I expect the Security Council to act against Iran by all means," Erdan said.

Iran's Mission to the United Nations issued a statement on the unprecedented attack launched on Israel saying the “military action was in response” to Israel's air strike on its diplomatic premises in Damascus.

"The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!"

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an urgent cessation of hostilities in the Middle East following a significant escalation of tensions. Guterres condemned the large-scale attack launched on Israel by Iran and said, "I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East."

“I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.”

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran as is ready for “any scenario, both defensively and offensively.”

"We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination."

US President Joe Biden promised "ironclad" support for Israel as Iran launched its first direct military attack against its ally in the region.

"I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran's attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden said on X, after cutting short a weekend trip to his home state of Delaware as the situation escalated in the Middle Eas.