China’s Wang Yi decries ‘unacceptable’ Israeli attack on Iran, urges political resolution

In calls with Israeli and Iranian counterparts, China’s top diplomat says peaceful settlement still ‘viable’, warns of ‘dangerous precedent’

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Fire and smoke are seen near Tehran on Sunday following an Israeli strike on the Iranian capital. Photo: via Reuters

Published: 2:01pm, 15 Jun 2025Updated: 5:41pm, 15 Jun 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has labelled Israel’s attack on Iran as an “unacceptable” breach of international law, and urged the two countries to de-escalate.

In a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar on Saturday, Wang said China could play a “constructive role” in the peaceful resolution of the Iran nuclear issue, saying diplomatic solutions remained viable and a peaceful resolution was still achievable.

“Such actions are particularly unacceptable while the international community is still seeking a political resolution to the Iran nuclear issue,” Wang said, referring to Israel’s attack on Iran that started on Friday.

“The immediate priority is to take concrete steps to prevent further escalation, avoid plunging the region into greater turmoil, and return to diplomacy, which is the international community’s shared consensus,” Wang said, noting that both Israel and Iran were key Middle Eastern countries and their relations affected regional stability.

Wang reiterated China’s position on regional conflicts, calling on both Israel and Iran to “resolve differences through dialogue and find a path to peaceful coexistence”.

“Diplomatic solutions for the Iranian nuclear issue are not exhausted, and prospects for a peaceful settlement remain viable,” Wang said, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.