Iran Leaders’ Deaths: China Condemns Killings & Violence

China condemned the killing of Iranian national security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli air strike, calling the act “unacceptable.” Beijing, a partner of Iran, has also previously criticized Tehran’s attacks against Gulf states with US military bases.

China Condemns Killing of Iranian Security Chief

Larijani was the highest-profile Iranian killed since Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior figures were targeted during an earlier wave of US and Israeli strikes that began on Feb. 28.

“We have always opposed the use of force in international relations. The acts of killing Iranian state leaders and attacking civilian targets are even more unacceptable,” China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference.

Lin urged all parties to immediately cease military operations and prevent further escalation of the regional situation.

Diplomatic Efforts Underway

Beijing has been attempting to mediate in the ongoing conflict, dispatching its special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, on a tour of the region this month. His itinerary included stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt.

During his visits, Zhai emphasized the importance of protecting non-military targets and ensuring the safety of shipping lanes, according to Lin.

Lin stated that Zhai’s trips were “one part of China’s intensive diplomatic efforts” and that Beijing’s mediation efforts would continue as long as the conflict persists.

China’s foreign ministry announced this week that Beijing will provide humanitarian assistance to Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.