UNSC condemns attack on UK embassy in Tehran

United Nations: The UN Security Council has strongly condemned the attack on the British embassy in Tehran and called on the Iranian authorities to ensure diplomatic and consular property and personnel are protected.

Expressing "deep concern" at the assault by protesters who vandalised property at the embassy compound and tore down the Union Jack flag, the 15-nation Council called on the Iranian authorities to "respect fully their international obligations" to protect diplomatic personnel and property.

"The members of the Security Council recalled the fundamental principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises, and the obligations on host governments... to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomatic and consular premises against any intrusion or damage, and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of these missions or impairment of their dignity," Ambassador Jose Filipe Moraes Cabral of Portugal, which holds the Council's presidency this month, said in a statement read out to the press.

Protesters in Tehran broke into the embassy compound during a demonstration against sanctions imposed by the UK.

Students reportedly ransacked offices, burned the British flag and smashed embassy windows.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the firing of rockets into Israel from southern Lebanon. The Secretary-General "urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and reminds them of their obligation to fully... respect the cessation of hostilities agreement," a statement from Moon's spokesperson said.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) returned artillery fire at the location from where the rocket fire originated. No casualties have been reported from either side, according to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

"This is a serious incident in violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 and is clearly directed at undermining stability in the area," UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas said in a statement.

Resolution 1701 ended the month-long war between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hizbollah in 2006.

It calls for respect for the 'Blue Line' separating Israel and Lebanon, disarming of all militias in Lebanon and an end to arms smuggling in the area.

Additional troops have been deployed on the ground and patrols have been intensified to prevent any further incidents, Cuevas said.