The Chinese government condemned the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling the attack a “serious violation of the sovereignty and security” of the Islamic Republic, amid the escalating military conflict in the Middle East.

In a statement released by its Foreign Ministry, Beijing asserted that the operation attributed to the United States and Israel “tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the fundamental norms of international relations.”

Chinese authorities expressed their “firm opposition” and “strong condemnation” of the events in Tehran, and urged an “immediate cessation of military operations” to prevent further regional destabilization.

They call for a halt to the escalation and a return to dialogue

The official statement emphasizes that the offensive occurred while Washington and Tehran were holding indirect talks on the Iranian nuclear program, mediated by Oman, which Beijing considers “unacceptable” regarding the attack and the assassination of a sitting head of state.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone call with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, to discuss the situation. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang urged an “immediate cessation of military operations, a swift return to dialogue and negotiations, and joint opposition to unilateral actions.” He also warned that the conflict risks pushing the region “to a dangerous brink,” a scenario that particularly worries China due to its impact on global energy and trade stability. Tehran confirmed the death of Khamenei, 86, following a bombing of the Iranian capital and declared 40 days of national mourning. The Iranian Supreme National Security Council reported that the leader was killed in his office and asserted that his death would mark the beginning of a “great uprising against the tyrants of the world.” Prior to official confirmation,US President Donald Trump wrote on his social media account, Truth Social, that Khamenei was “dead,” and anticipated that “unfortunately” there could be more US casualties in the conflict.

Alerts to Chinese citizens in the region

Since the start of the military operation, dubbed “Epic Fury” by Washington and Tel Aviv, Iran has responded with attacks against Israel and other countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

According to the Iranian Red Crescent, the bombings have left at least 201 dead and 747 wounded in Iranian territory.

In this context, the Chinese embassy in Iran urged its citizens to leave the country “as soon as possible” and reinforce their security measures, while its representation in Israel recommended preparing for possible missile and drone attacks, as well as identifying bomb shelters and evacuation routes.

Furthermore, the diplomatic mission in Israel advised China urged its citizens to move to safer areas within the country or leave for Egypt via the Taba border crossing. China reiterated its call for the international community to make “joint efforts” to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East and the world. Beijing stressed that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of states “must be respected,” in what represents one of the strongest condemnations issued so far by a global power regarding the assassination of the top Iranian leader.China reiterated its call to the international community for “joint efforts” to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East and the world. Beijing stressed that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of states “must be respected,” in what represents one of the strongest condemnations issued so far by a global power regarding the assassination of Iran’s top leader.China reiterated its call to the international community for “joint efforts” to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East and the world. Beijing stressed that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of states “must be respected,” in what represents one of the strongest condemnations issued so far by a global power regarding the assassination of Iran’s top leader.