China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the US attack on Iran and the strikes on nuclear facilities under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed that the US strikes on Iran seriously violate the goals and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and escalate tensions in the Middle East.

Beijing also urged all parties to the conflict—especially Israel—to cease fire as soon as possible and to begin negotiations between the sides.

Earlier, Russia’s Foreign Ministry had also strongly condemned the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.