Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping “strongly condemned” Israel’s recent military actions against Iran during a phone conversation, according to a statement from a Kremlin aide. Their joint rebuke comes amid growing global concern over escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.
In a post on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia posted, “We consider Israel’s attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities in Iran to be absolutely UNACCEPTABLE. It is imperative to prevent the spiral of violence [in the Middle East]. A negotiated solution is the only way forward, we hope that this understanding will prevail.”
💬 #Zakharova: We consider Israel’s attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities in Iran to be absolutely UNACCEPTABLE.
It is imperative to prevent the spiral of violence [in the Middle East]. A negotiated solution is the only way forward, we hope that this understanding will prevail. pic.twitter.com/CgXugyDyna
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) June 19, 2025
The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry, however, did not directly name Israel but opposed “using or threatening to use force in international relations”. A post on X read, “The situation in the #MiddleEast is tense and delicate. It faces the risk of spiraling out of control. China is firmly against any move that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and a country’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and opposes using or threatening to use force in international relations.”
“The international community, major country with influence in particular, needs to maintain a just position and act responsibly. It is vitally important to create conditions for reaching a ceasefire and returning to dialogue and negotiation, and prevent the situation from sliding into abyss and triggering an even larger disaster,” it added.
The situation in the #MiddleEast is tense and delicate. It faces the risk of spiraling out of control.
China is firmly against any move that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and a country’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and opposes using… pic.twitter.com/aEFOl9vjPc
— CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) June 19, 2025
The sharp condemnation follows a significant Israeli airstrike on Iran’s Arak heavy water nuclear reactor. The Israeli military stated that the attack specifically targeted the facility’s reactor core seal to prevent its potential future use in nuclear weapons development. While Iranian state television confirmed the evacuation of the site, it assured there was “no radiation danger whatsoever”, news agency AP reported. This marks the latest development in a week-long military conflict triggered by Israel’s surprise strikes on Iranian military sites, nuclear infrastructure, and senior personnel.
Iran Warns US: ‘All Necessary Options Are On the Table’
As tensions rose, Iran issued a stern warning to the United States over any potential involvement on Israel’s side. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, speaking to state television, stated: “If the United States wants to actively enter the field in favour of the Zionist regime, Iran will have to use its tools to both teach a lesson to aggressors and defend its national security and national interests.” He added, “Naturally, our military decision makers have all the necessary options on the table.”
The warning comes as speculation grows around possible US military backing for Israel. US President Donald Trump had earlier confirmed that he vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, although he added there are “no plans to kill him at least for now.”
Israel Vows Retaliation After Hospital Attack
The Israeli government, meanwhile, vowed severe retaliation after an Iranian missile struck Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba. Though no serious injuries were reported, the hospital sustained damage and has been limited to life-threatening cases only.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz directly blamed Ayatollah Khamenei for the attacks, stating: “A dictator like Khamenei, who heads a country like Iran and has made the destruction of Israel his mission, cannot continue to exist.” He further said the IDF “has been instructed and knows that in order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist.”
According to AFP, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, warning: “We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran.”
Death Toll Rises as Diplomatic Front Opens in Geneva
A Washington-based Iranian human rights organisation has reported that 639 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran since the conflict began. Over 1,300 others have sustained injuries. Iran has reportedly launched around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones towards Israel, causing the deaths of at least 24 people and injuring many more, AP reported.
Despite lifting some restrictions on daily life, Israel has continued its offensive targeting nuclear and military infrastructure, including sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and around Tehran.
Amid the intensifying situation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet his European counterparts in Geneva on Friday. As per Iran’s official IRNA news agency, the meeting will include diplomats from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the European Union.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which last inspected the Arak site on 14 May, has raised concerns about its inability to verify Iran’s heavy water production following restrictions imposed by Tehran.
