China is deeply concerned about the spillover effects of the U.S.-Israeli air strikes against Iran, which have affected Iran's neighboring countries, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday.
Since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Saturday, U.S. military targets in member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and in Jordan have also come under attack. The countries concerned have issued statements condemning the attacks.
"The United States and Israel carried out military strikes against Iran without authorization from the UN Security Council, which is in violation of international law. China expresses deep concern about the spillover effects of the conflict on neighboring countries. China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf countries should also be fully respected. We urge all parties to cease military actions to prevent further spread of the fighting," Mao said at a press conference in Beijing.
China expresses concern over U.S.-Iran conflict spillover, urges de-escalation
China expresses concern over U.S.-Iran conflict spillover, urges de-escalation
The death toll from the U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran has risen to 787, the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) said on Tuesday.
The IRCS reported that the strikes have affected 153 counties and cities, with 504 locations hit and 1,039 attacks recorded across the country.
In southeastern Iran, a fishing port in the city of Jask was struck, severely damaging more than 100 fishing boats.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday that its warplanes have destroyed Iran's propaganda and media center.
In response, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on the day that it had carried out the 14th wave of strikes, targeting the U.S. air base in the Sheikh Isa area of Bahrain with drones and missiles. The IRGC also reported shooting down seven drones across multiple regions.
Air raid sirens sounded early Tuesday in northern, central and southern Israel.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's defense ministry said two drones attacked the U.S. embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday, causing a fire.
In response to the escalating tensions, the United States closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on Tuesday.
Death toll from US-Israel strikes on Iran rises to 787: Iranian Red Crescent Society
