World leaders call for restraint after Iran attacks Israel

World leaders are calling for restraint over fears that Iran's air strikes on Israel could spark a wider war in the Middle East.

Iran on Saturday launched a direct attack on Israel for the first time firing more than 300 missiles and drones.

Nearly all were intercepted by Israel and others, including the US, Jordan and Britain. UN chief Antonio Guterres says there must be a de-escalation in tensions: 

"The middle east is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to diffuse and de-escalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint."

But Iran's ambassador to the UN Saeed Iravani says their action was justified.

Over 300 drones, missiles fired from Iran: Israel army

"This concluded action was necessary and proportionate. It was precise and only targeted military objectives and carried on carefully to minimise the potential for escalation and prevent civilian harm."

Iran carried out the attacks in revenge for a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in the Syrian capital.  Israel's president Isaac Herzog says his country's still considering its response.

"This is a declaration of war, because we are restrained and because we know the repercussions and because we have the liberations with our partners, we are considering all options."