Twenty one Arab, Muslim countries condemn Israeli strikes on Iran

A joint statement released on Monday by the foreign ministers of 21 Arab and Islamic countries condemned the ongoing Israeli military aggression against Iran, which has been escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

The statement said Israel's strikes on Iran violate the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It also emphasized the necessity of "respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states" and "adhering to the principles of good neighborliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes."

The joint statement expressed "great concern regarding this dangerous escalation, which threatens to have serious consequences on the peace and stability of the entire region."

Stressing the importance of "diplomacy, dialogue, and adherence to the principles of good neighborliness, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter", the statement pointed out that "military means cannot bring about a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis."

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its fifth day, with multiple casualties reported on both sides. The escalation began with Israeli airstrikes on Iran on June 13.

The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 20 pips to 7.0108 against the U.S. dollar Monday, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System.

In China's spot foreign exchange market, the yuan is allowed to rise or fall by 2 percent from the central parity rate each trading day.

The central parity rate of the yuan against the U.S. dollar is based on a weighted average of prices offered by market makers before the opening of the interbank market each business day.