China caught between Iran and Gulf states as Tehran strikes across Middle East

Following a joint US-Israeli attack on Tehran that killed Iran's Supreme Leader and other officials, China has urged Israel to end the conflict. Chinese diplomat Wang Yi told his Israeli counterpart that China opposes the military strikes and calls for an immediate cessation of operations to prevent further escalation. The call, reportedly at Israel's request, came after largely ineffective Iranian counter-attacks. US President Trump stated that the attacks had killed figures he considered potential leaders in a post-war Iran. The US and Israel have launched two waves of attacks on Iran.

China's annual "two sessions," the meetings of its top legislature and political advisory body, are commencing this week. The focus is expected to be on China's economic targets and strategic priorities. These meetings occur shortly after missile strikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iran, resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While the sessions will primarily address the economy and innovation, they also provide insight into China's foreign policy stance. China has condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and called for a halt to military operations, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticizing the killing of a sovereign leader and incitement of regime change. The potential discussion of the Iran crisis during Foreign Minister Wang Yi's press conference will be of particular interest.

China's response to US-Israeli strikes on Iran has been cautious, with a focus on diplomatic backing rather than direct military engagement. The joint strikes have led to the death of one Chinese national and the evacuation of 3,000 citizens from Iran. China partnered with Russia to hold an emergency UN Security Council session, condemning the action. In a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, China's top diplomat Wang Yi denounced the strikes as "unacceptable". Beijing has stopped short of offering concrete help, aligning with its long-standing playbook of diplomatic backing while avoiding direct military engagement. This approach is similar to China's response when Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro was abducted by the US in January.

The article discusses how escalating tensions in the Middle East, driven by US actions, could benefit China. While China officially condemns the attacks and calls for stability, the situation allows them to score diplomatic points and leverage their dominance in critical minerals. The US focus on the Middle East distracts from Asia, potentially creating opportunities for China regarding Taiwan. However, the conflict also poses risks to China, particularly concerning oil imports, as they rely heavily on Iranian oil. Disruptions to Iranian and Venezuelan oil supplies, coupled with rising global oil prices, could negatively impact China's energy demands and economy.

Following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran in early March 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi assured his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, that Iran would ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions within the country. Araghchi stated that the attacks occurred despite recent progress in negotiations with the US. He emphasized Iran's need to defend itself and requested China's assistance in preventing further escalation. Wang Yi affirmed China's support for Iran's sovereignty, security, and national interests, highlighting the traditional friendship between the two nations. The call occurred after Oman's foreign minister suggested a peace deal between the US and Iran was imminent.