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China expresses grave concern over US-Israel attacks on Iran
Tehran condemns US-Israeli strikes, promises "crushing" response.
Israel launched a "preemptive" strike against Iran on Saturday morning "to remove threats to Israel".
Trump said Iran can never have nuclear weapon and US is to destroy Iran's missiles, raze its missile industry to the ground.
The missiles arrived on a Saturday, puncturing the uneasy quiet of a region already conditioned to the sound of sirens. Coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran — reportedly near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — mark a grave escalation that violates the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. Smoke rising over Tehran and shuttered airspace from Iraq to Israel are not merely images of conflict; they are warnings of a perilous path that risks igniting wider instability.
The objective of crippling Iran's naval forces, combined with the US incitations for "regime change", ignores international law. This follows a pattern of increasing belligerence. The unilateral military adventurism of the US and Israel do not enhance security; they breed chaos, inviting a cycle of retaliation that could engulf the entire region.
China consistently opposes the use or threat of force in international relations and advocates that disputes be resolved through political and diplomatic means. As Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged recently as the rhetoric of war increased, all parties should exercise restraint, cherish peace and resolve differences through dialogue.
The timing of the strikes is particularly troubling. They occurred as negotiations over Iran's nuclear program were at a critical juncture and as diplomatic efforts on other global flash points, including the Ukraine crisis, struggle toward fragile progress. Military actions at such a moment risk derailing dialogue and undermining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. One cannot claim to defend non-proliferation while simultaneously resorting to force that erodes trust and verification mechanisms.
Domestic political calculations in Washington and Tel Aviv appear to have cast long shadows over the decision to use force. In the US, deep partisan divisions, legal setbacks to economic policies, and looming midterm elections have intensified political pressure. An AP-NORC poll shows only about 3 in 10 Americans express strong trust in the administration's judgment on military force — a sobering figure that underscores domestic skepticism. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting domestic opposition over the Gaza conflict and a looming election that will determine his political future. History shows that external confrontation can be used to consolidate internal support, but such tactics carry dangerous broader consequences.
China calls for an immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities. All parties, the US and Israel in particular, must exercise restraint and cease hostilities to prevent spiraling escalation. Respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law and a commitment to dialogue are essential to cooling tensions. China stands ready to play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation.
The priority must be the prevention of a broader war — a catastrophe that serves the interests of no nation. Miscalculation layered upon miscalculation, each justified as deterrence, each increasing the risk of catastrophe. Meanwhile, instability in the Middle East threatens global energy markets, trade routes, and economic recovery far beyond the region. From Dubai to Singapore, markets have already shown signs of unease.
A return to diplomacy, however painstaking, offers the only sustainable path to peace. Confrontation leads only to greater suffering; the path of dialogue is the sole route to lasting stability in the Middle East.
What is needed is sustained, serious negotiations, not more strikes.
Explosions reported in Tehran as Israel announces 'pre-emptive attack'. Multiple explosions hit central Tehran, including areas near Iran’s Supreme Leader's office and government buildings. Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency, with air raid sirens activated and civilians told to seek shelter. The joint operation has dramatically escalated tensions across the Middle East.
The situation in the Middle East has suddenly escalated with the United States and Israel launching strikes on Iran on Saturday. US President Donald Trump said that he aims to destroy Iran's missiles and missile industry. The US action indicates the failure of the first round of negotiations with Tehran to reach a basic consensus.
Washington's primary intention is to pressure Iran into making concessions in any potential talks, while also diverting attention from domestic political issues in the US, including the Epstein scandal, and building momentum for midterm elections in November.
This US military move has effectively opened Pandora's box. Future developments will hinge on Iran's response and its capacity to retaliate. Now that Iran has begun striking US military bases in the Middle East, the situation has become politically untenable for Washington.
The author is director of the Center for US-China Relations at Tsinghua University. This is an excerpt of the interview with China Daily reporter Li Huixian.
The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.
If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.
Israel launched a "preemptive" strike against Iran on Saturday, igniting renewed military tensions in the Middle East. Experts said the attack further diminishes prospects for a diplomatic resolution to the long-standing nuclear dispute between Tehran and the West.
The attack, coming after Israel and Iran engaged in a 12-day conflict last June, follows repeated US-Israeli threats that they would strike again under the pretext of Iran's nuclear enrichment and its ballistic missile program.
Tehran has long maintained that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only, while Iran's state media said the country is preparing for a "a crushing response" to the attacks, according to a CNN report.
Witnesses in Iran reported a large explosion, though there was no immediate comment from the government about the blast.
"The State of Israel launched a preemptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel," said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, declaring an "immediate state of emergency throughout the entire country".
Sirens sound across Israel, while the Israeli military warned civilians to stay close to bomb shelters.
An Israeli defense official said the operation had been planned for months in coordination with Washington, and that the launch date was decided weeks ago.
United States President Donald Trump described the attack as "massive and ongoing", advocating for regime change and calling on Iranians to "take over your government", the report said.
Sun Degang, director of Fudan University's Center for Middle Eastern Studies in Shanghai, said the Israel-US attack on Iran may signify the beginning of a full-scale conflict.
"Mirroring last year's events, Israel launched strikes during ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran," Sun said.
"This time, Iran's determination to retaliate is expected to be significantly greater, potentially leading to the mobilization of its full capabilities to counter both US and Israeli actions. Consequently, a forceful response from Iran is likely, possibly escalating into wider conflict as a means of deterrence."
Sun said that the initial three rounds of negotiations between Iran and the US appear to have been a delaying tactic, providing cover for US and Israeli military deployments.
"The US and Israel, seeking a pretext for military action against Iran, used the talks to enable the deployment of two US aircraft carriers to the Middle East," he added.
"With the carriers now in position, a coordinated offensive against Iran has purportedly begun, with Israel emphasizing the unified US-Israel front to deter Iran from limiting its retaliation. The strategy aims to fully involve the US in the conflict, forcing Iran into a strategically unfavorable confrontation against two adversaries.
"Given the present context, a key objective for Iran likely involves retaliatory action against Israel. This could extend beyond military targets to encompass specific civilian facilities, such as power plants and refineries, potentially aimed at deterring follow-on strikes from Israel and the US."
Sun went on to say that, facing the perceived threat of regime change, Iran has proactively developed contingency plans, which include arrangements sanctioned by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for collective leadership and designated successors in the event of an emergency.
"Iran's preparations are more comprehensive than last year, suggesting that, in the short term, its command, control, intelligence and defense systems are unlikely to be significantly disrupted," he added.
"The ongoing tensions between the US, Israel and Iran pose a significant risk of regional escalation. While most Middle Eastern nations, particularly those bordering Iran, prioritize their own stability and are hesitant to be drawn into the conflict, but the region's overall peace and stability remain profoundly precarious."
Contact the writers at liujianqiao@chinadaily.com.cn
New wave of Iranian missiles launched toward Israel: military
TEHRAN - Iran's senior officials, including the heads of the country's armed forces, are "in perfect health" after the US-Israeli attacks on the country on Saturday, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.
The health status of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was also confirmed, the report added.
All Israeli, US bases in region have been struck by Iranian missiles: Iranian forces
Entire command of Iranian armed forces is alive: Mehr news agency
MANAMA - Bahrain's National Communication Centre (NCC) announced Saturday that attacks targeting sites and facilities within the kingdom's borders have occurred.
The NCC confirmed that attacks on sites and facilities within Bahrain were launched from outside its territory, calling them a blatant violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and security.
The centre and relevant security and military authorities immediately initiated emergency response plans and took the necessary field measures.
The NCC also expressed the kingdom's strong condemnation of these hostile attacks, describing them as a direct threat to the kingdom's security and the safety of its citizens and residents.
It said that Bahrain reserves its full right to respond and to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security and protect its sovereignty, in coordination with its allies and partners.
The NCC added that details related to military aspects will be announced later by competent authorities, as required by national interest and security considerations.
RIYADH - Saudi Arabia on Saturday condemned what it called a "blatant Iranian aggression" and a violation of the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said the kingdom stood in full solidarity with the affected countries and was ready to deploy all its capabilities in support of any measures they take.
Saudi Arabia warned of serious consequences from continued breaches of state sovereignty and international law, urging the international community to condemn the attacks and take firm action against what it described as threats to regional security and stability.
5 school students killed in Israeli attacks: Iranian media
New series of explosions heard in Doha: media
KUWAIT/DOHA/DAMASCUS - As part of precautionary measures taken in response to recent regional developments, authorities of Kuwait, Qatar and Syria announced on Saturday the temporary closure or partial closure of their country's airspace.
Missile attack on Bahrain targets US Fifth Fleet service center: Al Arabiya reports
Explosions rocked multiple locations across Israel: Israeli media report
Iranian official says all US, Israeli interests in Mideast legitimate targets: Al Jazeera
US strikes against Iran named "OPERATION EPIC FURY": Pentagon
TEHRAN - Iran has begun a new wave of missile attacks on Israel, Iranian media reported on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed the launch of its "first wave" of drones and missiles targeting Israel.
