Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call on Thursday during which both leaders condemned Israel for its strikes on Iran and agreed de-escalation was needed, the Kremlin said.
Both men "strongly condemn Israel's actions, which violate the U.N. Charter and other norms of international law," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters.
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"Both Moscow and Beijing fundamentally believe that there is no military solution to the current situation and issues related to Iran's nuclear programme.
"This solution must be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic means," said Ushakov.
Russia has warned of catastrophe should the Israel-Iran conflict, now in its seventh day, escalate further, and has urged the U.S. not to join Israel's bombardment.
Putin has been in touch with U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in recent days and has repeatedly said Russia stands ready to mediate between the warring sides.
Thus far, no one has taken up Russia's offer.
On Thursday, Putin reiterated that proposition in his phone call with Xi, a close ally.
The Chinese leader expressed support for the idea, Ushakov said, "as he believes it could serve to de-escalate the current acute situation."
The two men agreed to keep in close contact in the coming days.
China Urges Israel and Iran to Cease Hostilities Amid Escalating Tensions
China has called for an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East, urging all parties, especially Israel, to prioritize peace and regional stability following renewed exchanges of fire with Iran, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported on Thursday.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said:
“China strongly calls on all parties involved in the conflict, especially Israel, to put the interests of the region’s people first, immediately cease fire and stop fighting.”
The statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that he is considering military action in response to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
Guo reiterated Beijing’s longstanding position against foreign aggression, adding that China “opposes any act that infringes upon the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of other countries,” and rejected “the use or threat of force in international relations.”
The remarks reflect growing international concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region, as fears of a wider war mount.
UK’s Priti Patel Backs Possible Military Action Against Iran
UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel has said the Conservative Party would support military action against Iran if deemed necessary by the government, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, PA Media reported on Wednesday.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Patel stressed that while peace remains the preferred outcome, the UK must be prepared to act in order to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
“While we want peace in the region, we’re crystal clear that Iran should not be able to obtain nuclear weapons,” Patel said. “If the Government judges that such action is necessary to avoid that, then we would absolutely support the Government... to defend our country, our citizens, and our strategic equities in the Middle East.”
She also indicated that a vote in Parliament may not be required, asserting that the opposition can still hold the government to account through other means.
Patel further criticized the UK Government’s handling of the ongoing crisis, particularly the evacuation of British nationals from Israel, calling the current response inadequate.
“If families of embassy staff and personnel are being evacuated, then I think the same facilities must be extended to our citizens,” she added, urging officials to “step up” their efforts to safeguard British lives amid the intensifying conflict.
