Iran is willing to “exercise restraint” following the drone and missile attacks targeting Israel on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.
Act of Self Defence
During a phone call with Wang on Monday, Abdollahian accused the UN Security Council of failing to respond appropriately, referring to the Council's inaction over Israel's alleged bombing of an Iranian diplomatic outpost in Damascus, Syria, on 1 April. He defended Iran's massive missile and drone attack on Israel, saying that Tehran “had the right to respond in self-defence to the violation of its sovereignty.”
Noting the “very sensitive” current regional situation, Abdollahian assured Wang that Tehran “is willing to exercise restraint and has no intention of further escalating the situation.”
He advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressed support for China’s “active efforts to promote ceasefire, restore regional peace, and strengthen cooperation among regional countries.”
China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the attack on the premises of the Iranian embassy in Syria, considering the incident a serious violation of international law which is unacceptable, said Chinese FM Wang Yi on Monday over phone with Iranian FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. pic.twitter.com/AKThlHg38k
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) April 15, 2024
China Opposes Attack on Iran
Wang said China “strongly condemns and firmly opposes” the attack on the Iranian diplomatic building in Syria, which he said “seriously violates international law and is unacceptable.”
The Chinese FM said that Beijing Iran’s actions were “limited” and “an exercise of the right of self-defence” in response to the attack on the building. He also appreciated “Iran’s emphasis on not targeting regional countries and neighbouring countries.”
“We believe that Iran can grasp the situation well and avoid further instability while safeguarding Iran's sovereignty and dignity,” the top diplomat said.
Rise in Israel-Iran Tensions
Israel reportedly launched airstrikes on a building near Iran's embassy in Syria on 1 April, resulting in six casualties among Iran’s military personnel, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the US.
Over a week later, Iran responded by firing over 300 deadly projectiles towards Israel, including suicide drones and cruise and ballistic missiles. It was the first time the Islamic Republic had directly attacked Israel.
Israel has vowed to retaliate.