By Omoniyi David
China has called on its citizens in Iran and Israel to evacuate immediately amid escalating hostilities between the two Middle Eastern powers, while accusing former U.S. President Donald Trump of inflaming the crisis.
In an online advisory issued on Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Tehran urged its nationals to “leave the country as soon as possible” due to the worsening security situation. “The Chinese Embassy in Iran has coordinated with Iranian authorities to assist with outbound travel,” the statement read.
Simultaneously, the Chinese government accused Trump of “pouring oil” on the conflict following his warning to Tehran residents to evacuate and his call for Iran to return to nuclear negotiations.
Beijing urged countries with significant influence, implicitly referring to the U.S. to act responsibly and help de-escalate the situation.
Tensions flared after Israel launched a surprise aerial assault on Iranian targets last week, citing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons; an ambition Tehran continues to deny. The attacks disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations and triggered retaliatory strikes from Iran, including a fresh barrage of rockets on June 17 that prompted air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
AFP journalists reported loud explosions over both cities as residents took shelter in parking garages and basements.
In response to the escalating violence, China’s embassy in Israel also issued an evacuation notice to its citizens.
“The Chinese mission in Israel urges Chinese nationals to leave the country as soon as possible via land borders, provided they can ensure their safety,” the embassy stated on WeChat, adding that travel through Jordan is recommended.
“The conflict continues to escalate. Much civilian infrastructure has been damaged, casualties are mounting, and the security situation is increasingly dire,” the embassy warned.
The latest round of violence, fueled by decades of animosity and regional power struggles, has heightened fears of a broader war in the Middle East. China has called for immediate international efforts to reduce tensions and avoid further destabilization.
