Tensions soar as Israel and Iran engage in a heated exchange of accusations during an emergency session of the UN Security Council convened in the aftermath of Tehran's barrage of rockets and drones targeting Israel over the weekend.

Iran's envoy to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, asserts his country's stance, declaring Iran's readiness to "proportionately respond" to any potential military actions by the United States. Justifying the recent attack on Israel, Iravani cites perceived provocations by Israeli forces, including the strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus and the killing of Iranian commanders in Syria, framing Iran's actions as acts of self-defense.

In a stark rebuttal, Israel's representative to the UN, Gilad Erdan, condemns Iran's actions as flagrant violations of international law. Erdan presented evidence, including video footage, purportedly showing Israeli forces intercepting an Iranian drone over the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, underscoring the gravity of Iran's provocations.

Echoing Israel's call for condemnation, restoration of sanctions, and designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizes the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the safe release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, urging swift action from the international community.

Amid the diplomatic jousting, US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Robert Wood, underscored the Security Council's obligation to hold Iran accountable for its actions, while British envoy Barbara Woodward reaffirmed Britain's commitment to Israel's security.

However, Russian representative Vasily Nebenzya criticized the meeting as "hypocritical" and highlighted Iran's retaliatory strikes as responses to Israeli aggression against a diplomatic mission.