Chinese UN envoy condemns US strikes on Iranian nuke sites

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, condemned the United States for its strikes on Iranian nuclear sites at an emergency meeting of the Security Council on June 22.

"Yesterday (June 21), the United States conducted attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. China strongly condemns the U.S. attacks on Iran and the bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency," Fu Cong said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Chinese media.

The U.S. move seriously violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, as well as Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. It has exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and dealt a heavy blow to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, he said.

The international community must uphold justice and make concrete efforts to cool down the situation and restore peace and stability, he said.

Fu called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the hostilities.

"In the context of the abrupt escalation of tensions in the Middle East, China is deeply concerned about the risk of the situation getting out of control. The parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, should immediately cease fire to prevent a spiralling escalation and to resolutely avoid the spillover of the war," he said.

"The parties concerned should abide by international law, curb the impulse to use force, and avoid exacerbating conflicts and adding fuel to fire," he added. 

On June 21, the United States conducted military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—in a significant escalation of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Named "Operation Midnight Hammer," the operation involved over 125 U.S. military aircraft, including seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, which dropped 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) "bunker-buster" bombs on Fordow and Natanz, while U.S. submarines launched over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at Isfahan. The strikes aimed to disrupt Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities, with President Donald Trump claiming the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated,” though damage assessments remain inconclusive.

The conflict began on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched surprise attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets, citing concerns over Iran’s potential to develop nuclear weapons. Iran, which insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel, killing at least 24 people and injuring hundreds. The U.S. initially provided defensive support to Israel but avoided direct attacks until June 21, when Trump authorised the strikes after consultations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. military officials. The decision followed Iran’s reported threats of retaliation, including activating sleeper cells in the U.S. if attacked.

By Khagan Isayev