At a U.N. Security Council meeting, the U.S. warned Iran of severe consequences if it escalates aggression against Israel or U.S. forces, as tensions rise following recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites.

During a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, October 28, the United States warned Iran of "severe consequences" if it undertakes additional aggressive actions against Israel or U.S. forces in the Middle East.

"We will not hesitate to defend ourselves. Let there be no misunderstanding: the United States does not wish to see further escalation. We believe this should mark the end of the direct exchange of hostilities between Israel and Iran," stated U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to the 15-member council.

The meeting followed Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian missile production sites and other facilities early Saturday in retaliation for Iran’s October 1 missile attack on Israel, which involved approximately 200 ballistic missiles.

Iran’s U.N. Ambassador, Amir Saied Iravani, accused the U.S. of complicity through its military support for Israel. 

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador, Danny Danon, urged the Security Council to impose "crippling sanctions" on Iran's military and economic structures to prevent it from developing nuclear capabilities. He characterized Israel's strikes as "measured and proportionate" and affirmed that Israel would continue to defend itself.

China’s U.N. Ambassador, Fu Cong, advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a de-escalation of tensions between Israel and Lebanon, while Russia’s Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, criticized U.S. support for Israel.

The U.K.’s Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, urged Iran to avoid responding to Israel's recent actions, calling for restraint on all sides to prevent further escalation.

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