China on Monday expressed deep condolences on the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari through a Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's office confirmed Buhari's passing through a special adviser's statement in the early hours of Monday, Beijing time. Buhari, who led Africa's most populous nation from 2015 to 2023, passed away at age 82.
"Former President Buhari was a distinguished leader of Nigeria who guided his nation to remarkable achievements in national development. As a longtime friend of the Chinese people, he played a pivotal role in advancing China-Nigeria relations and fostering win-win cooperation between our two countries," Lin Jian, the spokesman, said at a press briefing in Beijing.
"The Chinese side expresses profound sorrow for the passing of former President Buhari and extends heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian government, its people, and to the family of the late president," Lin said.
China expresses deep condolences on passing of former Nigerian President Buhari
China expresses deep condolences on passing of former Nigerian President Buhari
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."
Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.
Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.
"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.
The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.
Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM
