Beijing [China], February 28: China, Russia abd India have voiced strong concern over the escalating conflict in West Asia, following the recent US-Israel airstrikes on Iran. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement stressing the importance of respecting Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It urged an immediate halt to military actions and called for de-escalation, dialogue, and renewed negotiations to restore peace and stability in the Middle East. "China is highly concerned about the military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran," the statement read, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions in the region.
Russia, too, condemned the airstrikes, highlighting the dangers of further military actions. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed alarm over the destabilizing effect of these ongoing attacks by the U.S. over recent months, stressing that they undermine international legal norms such as non-interference and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Russia called for a return to diplomatic efforts, stating, "We demand an immediate return to a political and diplomatic resolution." The ministry reiterated Russia's readiness to assist in finding peaceful solutions, in line with international law and mutual respect.
Further, Russia condemned the bombing of nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, accusing the U.S. and Israel of prioritizing their own strategic interests rather than preventing nuclear proliferation. The statement noted that these actions, driven by a purported concern over Iran's nuclear ambitions, were actually pushing countries in the region to develop more advanced defense capabilities in response to the escalating situation. "The grave consequences of these ill-considered steps for the global nonproliferation regime are being openly ignored," it asserted.
India, likewise, expressed grave concern over the recent developments in Iran and the wider Gulf region. In a statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. The ministry reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to resolve tensions and address underlying issues. It also called for the protection of civilians and the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations involved.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iranian forces, offering immunity to those who surrender but threatening "certain death" for those who resist. The U.S.-Israel military operation, which targeted multiple sites across Iran, has plunged the Middle East into further turmoil. Trump described the strikes as a historic opportunity for the Iranian people to "take over" their government, while also urging citizens to remain sheltered as bombing intensified. This latest military action follows weeks of tense nuclear negotiations and mounting military tensions, marking a significant development in the broader confrontation between the U.S. and Iran. The full impact and scope of the strikes are still being assessed.
