China calls Israeli and US strikes on Iran 'unacceptable'

Read also: Khamenei era ends: Iran names new leader in emergency move

"The attack and killing of Iran's Supreme Leader constitutes a serious violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the fundamental norms of international relations. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns this," the statement said.

China's Foreign Ministry called for an immediate cessation of military operations, avoidance of further escalation, and joint efforts to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East and globally.

The ministry also reported that today, March 1, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Wang Yi stated that at the insistence of China and Russia, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting yesterday on the current situation in Iran.

"China consistently upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and opposes the use of force in international relations. The attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran during negotiations between the US and Iran are unacceptable; the blatant killing of a sovereign leader and incitement to regime change are unacceptable," China's Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry stressed that these actions violate international law and the fundamental norms of international relations.

"The conflict has now spread across the Persian Gulf, and the situation in the Middle East may be on the brink of danger. China is deeply concerned," the ministry added.

Wang Yi also outlined China’s position as follows:

• An immediate ceasefire is crucial to prevent the conflict from spreading and escalating beyond control. China values the security of Persian Gulf countries and supports their restraint.
• A swift return to dialogue and negotiations is necessary. All parties should firmly advocate for peace and urge those involved to return to the path of dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible.
• There must be joint opposition to unilateral actions. Attacking sovereign states without authorization from the UN Security Council undermines the foundations of peace established after World War II.

Lavrov, for his part, said that the US and Israeli strikes on Iran have seriously undermined stability in the Middle East.

According to him, Russia shares the same position as China and is ready to strengthen coordination and communication with Beijing, sending a clear signal through platforms such as the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, calling for an immediate end to the war and a return to diplomatic negotiations.

Strikes on Iran and the death of Khamenei

Yesterday, February 28, Israel and the US carried out a series of strikes on Iran.

According to US President Donald Trump, the United States launched a military campaign to eliminate threats posed by the current regime, with the primary goal of protecting the American people and US allies.

Media reports indicate that Trump ordered a large-scale air assault on Iran after prolonged lobbying by Israel and Saudi Arabia. As a result of the strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed.

It is known that the CIA had been monitoring Iran’s Supreme Leader for months, refining details of his schedule and movements.

At least four members of Khamenei's family and several high-ranking officials were also killed in the series of US and Israeli missile strikes.

Among the dead were Iran’s defense minister and chief of the General Staff.

Today, Iran appointed an acting Supreme Leader. The position was taken by senior cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi. Under the country’s constitution, he joined the temporary leadership council, which will perform the duties of head of state until a successor is elected.