BEIJING/MOSCOW: China and Russia on Sunday strongly condemned the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and accused Washington of violating international law and the UN Charter.
Both countries warned that the US actions had dangerously escalated tensions in the Middle East and called for an immediate return to dialogue and diplomacy.
“China strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran and the bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA,” China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
China’s Foreign Ministry stated that the actions of the US seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East.
“China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation,” the ministry stated.
“China stands ready to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East,” the ministry added.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said that Russia strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites.
“The irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb attacks, whatever the arguments it may be presented with, flagrantly violates international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” the ministry said in its statement.
“We call for an end to aggression and for increased efforts to create conditions for returning the situation to a political and diplomatic track,” the ministry said.
Earlier on Sunday, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said that US President Donald Trump had started a new war for the US by attacking Iran.
US President Donald Trump late on Saturday said US warplanes struck three Iranian nuclear sites, as Washington joined Israel’s war with Tehran in a flashpoint moment for the Middle East.
Trump warned Tehran it would face more devastating attacks if it does not agree to peace.
Iran’s foreign minister said Sunday that the United States and Israel had “crossed a very big red line” and that Iran would defend itself “by all means necessary”.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said last week a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was the “top priority” during a phone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
“Armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes,” Xi said, quoted by Beijing’s foreign ministry.
