Hours after Iran said it launched a direct drone and missile attack on Israel, leaders of countries condemned what they called a destabilizing act for the region.

Iran said it was a retaliation to a strike on Iran's embassy in Damascus, Syria that killed at least 13 people, including seven high-ranking officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. 

United Nations Secretary-General, ANTONIO GUTERRES called for an immediate end of hostilities and said all parties should exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. 

German Chancellor, OLAF SCHOLZ said the attack on Israeli territory that Iran launched is unjustifiable and highly irresponsible.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed its concern at the military escalation and called on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and spare the region and its people from the dangers of war.

United States President, JOE BIDEN pledged that his support for Israel's defence against Iran and its proxies remains strong.

Meanwhile, Iran's mission to the United Nations warned the United States not to become directly involved in the conflict.