UPDATE - Asian nations call for 'restraint' after Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel

UPDATES WITH PAKISTAN'S REACTION ON IRAN-ISRAEL TENSION

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - China on Sunday said it is "deeply" concerned about the current escalation in the Iran-Israel tension and called on relevant parties to remain "calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions" in the Middle East.

"China calls on the international community, especially influential countries, to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement in response to Iran's retaliatory drone strikes on Israel.

The ministry said the escalation is the latest manifestation of spillover from the Gaza conflict, "so the pressing task now is to earnestly implement UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and end the Gaza conflict as soon as possible."

On March 25, the UN Security Council passed a resolution, demanding an immediate cease-fire for the month of Ramadan, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and the urgent need to expand the flow of aid into Gaza.

The Chinese Embassy in Iran advised its nationals and companies in the country to strengthen security precautions, state television CCTV reported.

- Japan condemns strikes

Japan "strongly" condemned Iran's drone strikes, calling it an "escalation of events."

A Foreign Ministry statement on Sunday said it is "deeply" concerned at the situation.

"This attack is one that further worsens the current Middle East situation. We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this sort of escalation," the statement said.

"Peace and stability is especially important for Japan, and the government will continue to take the necessary diplomatic steps to prevent a deterioration of the situation, it added.

- 'Breakdown of diplomacy'

Pakistan termed the escalation of tensions in the Middle East "breakdown of diplomacy."

"Today's developments demonstrate the consequences of the breakdown of diplomacy," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"These also underline the "grave" implications in cases where the UN Security Council is unable to fulfil its responsibilities of maintaining international peace and security."

For months, it added, Pakistan has underlined the necessity of international efforts to prevent expansion of hostilities in the region and for a cease-fire in Gaza.

"It's now critically urgent to stabilize the situation and restore peace. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint," it concluded.

- India 'seriously' concerned

India said it was "seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, which threatens the peace and security in the region."

"We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

India, it added, is closely monitoring the evolving situation and Indian embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community.

“It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” the statement further said.