Beijing urged a return to political and diplomatic solutions regarding Iran’s nuclear program on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as regional tensions escalate following recent military actions involving the United States and Israel.
The call from Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning came after a series of strikes and counter-strikes initiated on February 28th, which have drawn condemnation from several nations. According to reports, at least 787 people have been killed in the attacks since Saturday morning.
“The Iranian nuclear issue must return to the track of political and diplomatic solutions,” Mao stated, according to a report from CRI German. The spokesperson’s comments followed a telephone conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, during which Wang Yi reiterated China’s position.
China has expressed “deep concern” over the regional spillover effects of the conflict, emphasizing the importance of respecting the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all Gulf states. This position was articulated in a press conference on Monday, March 2nd, where Mao Ning urged all parties to cease military operations and prevent further escalation. She also noted that the U.S. And Israel launched their military strikes against Iran without authorization from the UN Security Council, violating international law.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson further commended a statement issued by the 50th Extraordinary Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, which affirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the sole path to overcoming the current crisis and preserving regional security. China, Mao added, stands ready to operate with the international community to call for peace and stability in the Middle East.
The developments follow Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks on U.S. Military installations in Gulf Cooperation Council states and other locations, triggered by the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran and the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. China and Russia convened an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council on Monday to address the situation in Iran, with China having previously made its position clear on multiple occasions.
As of Tuesday, no further meetings of the UN Security Council have been scheduled.
