The Nigerian government has asked Israel and Iran to “exercise restraint” and consider diplomatic solutions amid potential escalation of conflict between the two nations.

Iran bombarded Israel with hundreds of ballistic and cruise missiles and explosive drones over the weekend in retaliation against the latter’s killing of some of its top military personnel in Syria.

“The federal government of Nigeria joins other members of the international community to call on Iran and Israel to exercise restraint, as diplomatic efforts are ongoing to ease tension and avoid a wider conflict in the Middle East,” said a statement by Nigeria’s foreign ministry.It added, “In this critical period, it behoves the two countries to reflect on the universal commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts, for the advancement of global peace and security.”

At the UN Security Council meeting held on Sunday to discuss how to douse the heightened tensions, UN chief António Guterres said it was “time to step back from the brink,” asking all member states to intervene and actively engage Israel and Iran “to prevent further escalation.”

Iran barraged Israel with missiles in retaliation of the killing of three commanders in its consulate in Syria on April 1.