Russia, China, and UAE Warn Against Escalation as Israel-Iran Tensions Soar
Moscow, Beijing, and several Middle Eastern nations have voiced strong concern over the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, warning of grave regional consequences if military actions continue.
Russia Calls Israeli Strikes on Iran Illegal
On Tuesday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s ongoing strikes against Iran, calling them “illegal” under international law. In a statement posted on Telegram, the ministry emphasized that a solution to the nuclear issue with Tehran must come through diplomatic channels, not warfare.
Moscow also highlighted Iran’s declared commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States. Russia further urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provide transparent and factual assessments of the recent damage to Iranian nuclear facilities following Israeli attacks.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged on Tuesday that Israel appeared unwilling to accept mediation offers for now, stating the situation was undergoing “galloping escalation” and that uncertainty remained high. Nonetheless, he reiterated Russia’s readiness to mediate if called upon.
China’s Xi Urges Restraint, Urges Citizens to Evacuate
Chinese President Xi Jinping voiced deep concern over Israel’s military actions during a regional summit in Kazakhstan. Speaking alongside Uzbekistan’s president, Xi called for immediate de-escalation and warned that Israel’s offensive had triggered a “sudden spike in Middle East tensions”.
He stressed China’s opposition to actions that violate the sovereignty and security of other nations, calling for respect for territorial integrity.
In a parallel move, China’s embassies in both Iran and Israel issued urgent advisories for Chinese nationals to leave both countries immediately, citing escalating violence. The embassy in Tehran coordinated exit routes via Turkey, Armenia, and Turkmenistan, while Chinese citizens in Israel were advised to cross into Jordan.
UAE Warns of Reckless Escalation
The United Arab Emirates also raised alarm over the conflict’s dangerous trajectory. Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed labeled the ongoing military actions as “reckless and uncalculated,” warning that the conflict could spread beyond Iran and Israel’s borders.
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing solidarity with the Iranian people and assuring that the UAE was engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis.
Jordan’s King: Israel’s Expansion of Conflict Is a Global Threat
Speaking before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Jordan’s King Abdullah II warned that Israel’s widening offensive could destabilize the entire Middle East and beyond.
He cautioned, “With Israel’s expansion of its offensive to include Iran, there is no telling where the boundaries of this battleground will end.” King Abdullah called it a threat to global peace, urging international stakeholders to prevent further deterioration.
