China calls for ‘immediate’ end to US, Israeli strikes on Iran, stresses dialogue

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China on Saturday called for an “immediate” end to military actions after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran.

Expressing “high concern” over the military strikes against Iran, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed “respect” for Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

“China calls for an immediate stop of the military actions, no further escalation of the tense situation, resumption of dialogue and negotiation, and efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East,” the ministry said in a statement on US social media company X.

Earlier, as explosions rocked Tehran and Israel announced "preemptive" strikes against Iran, US President Donald Trump also confirmed launching "major combat operations" in Iran.

Tehran accused the US and Israel of military aggression, calling the strikes a violation of its sovereignty and a breach of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.

Stressing the right to self-defense under the UN Charter, Iran said it had prioritized diplomacy to prevent war but “the time has now come to defend the homeland,” and that the armed forces would respond in a “decisive and powerful manner.”