China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar on Tuesday that Beijing opposes strikes on Iran. The phone call comes after US and Israeli attacks over the weekend killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The violence has since spread across the Middle East, raising regional security and humanitarian concerns.
Beijing, a close partner of Tehran, condemned Khamenei’s killing as a “serious violation” and called for an immediate ceasefire. Wang emphasized that military action cannot truly solve problems, warning of severe after-effects and long-term instability in the region.
Read more: Iran strikes U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia, war expands
According to Xinhua, Wang highlighted that recent Iran-US negotiations were making progress before the strikes interrupted the process. He urged dialogue and consultation as the only viable path to resolve tensions. China’s position reflects its broader policy of non-interference and preference for diplomatic conflict resolution.
Wang stressed the urgent need to prevent further escalation, saying, “Force will only bring new problems and severe after-effects.” He also warned that continued violence risks destabilizing the wider Middle East and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Read more: War spirals in Middle East as Israel strikes Hezbollah
The call underscores growing international concern over the US-Israel strikes and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks, which have targeted Israeli and US assets across the region. Global markets and energy supplies continue to feel pressure as tensions persist.