China Slams Killing of Iran’s Ali Larijani, Urges Immediate Ceasefire

China has strongly condemned the killing of Iranian National Security Chief Ali Larijani, describing the strike as “unacceptable” and warning that escalating violence could push the Middle East into deeper instability.

Speaking on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing opposes the use of force in international relations, particularly the targeting of senior government officials and civilians.

According to Lin, the killing of the former Iranian national security chief in a reported Israeli airstrike marks a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

He stressed that such actions are “unacceptable” and urged all parties to immediately halt military operations to prevent the crisis from spiralling out of control.

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The death of Larijani is one of the most high-profile casualties since the war began on February 28, following a wave of coordinated strikes that reportedly killed several top Iranian officials. The development has heightened global concerns over a broader regional confrontation.

While maintaining close ties with Tehran, China has also criticised Iran’s retaliatory attacks, particularly those targeting Gulf countries hosting US military bases. Beijing’s position reflects a broader call for restraint from all sides involved in the conflict.

As part of its diplomatic response, China has intensified mediation efforts led by its Middle East envoy, Zhai Jun. The envoy has held high-level talks across key regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt.

During the meetings, Zhai emphasised the need to avoid attacks on civilian infrastructure and safeguard critical shipping routes, warning that disruptions to maritime trade could have far-reaching global consequences.

Chinese officials described the envoy’s tour as part of “intensive diplomatic mediation efforts”, adding that Beijing will continue engaging all parties until the conflict subsides.

Beyond diplomacy, China has also pledged humanitarian assistance to countries affected by the war, including Iran, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.

Analysts say China’s response underscores its strategic interest in maintaining stability in the Middle East, a region vital to global energy supplies and trade routes.

With tensions continuing to rise, fears are mounting that further targeted killings and retaliatory strikes could trigger a wider regional crisis with significant geopolitical and economic implications.

China Slams Killing of Iran’s Ali Larijani, Urges Immediate Ceasefire

Iran Again Threatens to Destroy Region’s Energy Facilities if Attacked

Iran has renewed its warning that it will target and destroy energy infrastructure across the Middle East if further strikes are carried out against its territory, signalling a dangerous escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.

Iranian military officials said any new attacks—particularly on its oil and gas assets—would trigger retaliatory strikes on energy facilities in neighbouring countries, including those in the Gulf.

The latest threat follows recent strikes on Iran’s critical energy infrastructure, including the South Pars gas field, one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves.

In response, Iran has warned it could hit oil refineries, gas fields, and export terminals across the region, raising fears of a wider economic and military confrontation. Officials described the situation as a “new stage” of the conflict, with Tehran prepared to escalate further if what it calls “aggression” continues.

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Recent developments have already seen missile and drone strikes targeting energy installations in Gulf countries, including key facilities linked to global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chains.

The escalating threats have sparked serious concerns about global energy security, as the Gulf region accounts for a significant share of the world’s oil and gas exports. Oil prices have surged sharply amid fears of supply disruption, while gas markets have also reacted due to risks to major LNG hubs. The strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies, remains under heightened threat.

Analysts warn that a sustained escalation could severely disrupt global markets, with potential ripple effects on fuel prices, inflation, and economic stability worldwide.

The warnings come amid intensifying hostilities involving Iran and Israel, with both sides increasingly targeting critical infrastructure. Iran has also called for regional coordination with countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan, urging a collective response to what it describes as foreign destabilisation efforts.

Despite international calls for restraint, the conflict continues to expand, with energy infrastructure now emerging as a central battleground.

Iran Again Threatens to Destroy Region’s Energy Facilities if Attacked

Diplomatic Rift: Spain Withdraws Ambassador from Israel

In a major diplomatic development, the government of Spain has formally withdrawn its ambassador from Israel, signaling a deepening crisis in relations between the two nations.

The decision effectively removes Spain’s top envoy from Tel Aviv and downgrades diplomatic representation to a chargé d’affaires, a move widely seen as one of the strongest diplomatic protests available short of severing ties completely.

The latest action follows a prolonged period of tension between Madrid and Tel Aviv, which escalated after Spain recognized a Palestinian state in 2024. That decision triggered sharp reactions from Israel and marked the beginning of a steady deterioration in bilateral relations.

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Spain has consistently voiced concern over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, calling for restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law. Spanish authorities have also expressed opposition to broader regional escalations, including developments tied to tensions involving Iran. These positions have placed Spain at odds with Israel’s government, further widening the diplomatic divide between the two countries.

Prior to this development, Spain had already recalled its ambassador for consultations, a common diplomatic step used to signal disapproval. However, the current move goes further by making the withdrawal permanent, effectively leaving both countries without full ambassadorial representation in each other’s capitals. Diplomatic sources indicate that while embassies will continue to function, engagement will now occur at a lower level, limiting the scope of bilateral cooperation.

The withdrawal highlights growing divisions within the international community over the Middle East crisis. Spain’s stance reflects a more assertive foreign policy approach, particularly on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and aligns with calls from several European actors for a reassessment of regional strategies. For now, relations between Spain and Israel remain strained, with no immediate signs of diplomatic normalization.

Diplomatic Rift: Spain Withdraws Ambassador from Israel