In a letter to the UN Security Council, US Ambassador Kelly Craft said the United States that the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani was self defense and added they are ready to take additional action "as necessary" in the Middle East to protect U.S. personnel and interests.

The letter also said that the US are "ready to engage without preconditions in serious negotiations with Iran, with the goal of preventing further endangerment of international peace and security or escalation by the Iranian regime."

The letter added that the killing of Soleimani in Baghdad las Friday was justified under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Iran said in favour of de-escalating tension

Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Majid Takht Ravanci, said they were not in favor of escalating tension.