Chinese leader voices deep concern as Israel-Iran tensions surge

Chinese President Xi Jinping has voiced deep worry over Israel’s escalating military campaign against Iran, marking his first public comments on the rapidly intensifying Middle East crisis.

Speaking during a summit with leaders from five Central Asian countries in Astana, Xi emphasised China’s firm stance against any actions that threaten the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of nations, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"All parties should work to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible and prevent the situation from worsening further," Xi said. He also stressed China’s readiness to play a constructive role in restoring peace and stability to the troubled region.

Israel launched a surprise strike on Iran on June 13, sparking the most intense confrontation between the two nations to date and raising fears of a broader Middle Eastern conflict. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israel asserts its strikes targeted military and nuclear sites, eliminating several senior commanders and scientists. 

Pezeshkian responded, “Does the scientist of this country have a gun in his hand and a bomb? If we did not have these missiles now, Israel would easily hit wherever it wanted every day.” According to a senior US official, President Donald Trump urged Israel to halt plans to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted that regime change in Iran could be a potential outcome of their military actions.  Calling for national unity, Pezeshkian urged Iranians to put aside their differences amid the crisis: “Every difference, issue, and problem that has existed must be put aside today and we must stand strong against this genocidal criminal aggression with unity and coherence.”

Iranian officials have emphasized diplomatic efforts despite Israel’s preference for military measures and US threats of consequences if nuclear talks fail. They also stressed that any Israeli attack would not occur without US knowledge and support.

By Naila Huseynova