China and North Korea have condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling it a violation of sovereignty. Global leaders, including Vladimir Putin, have reacted as tensions escalate across the Middle East.
China and North Korea have strongly criticised the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Tehran: China and North Korea have strongly criticised the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling the attack a violation of national sovereignty and warning that the escalating crisis could destabilise the wider Middle East.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China described the killing as a “grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security.” The ministry said such actions undermine the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
Beijing also urged all sides to halt military operations immediately and avoid further escalation in order to maintain peace and stability in the region.
North Korea echoed similar concerns, stating that the attacks on Iran constitute a violation of national sovereignty. The statement criticised the military action and warned that such operations could intensify tensions across the Middle East and threaten regional stability.
The comments highlight growing international concern about the geopolitical fallout following Khamenei’s death and the ongoing conflict involving multiple countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the killing, describing it as a “cynical murder” that violates international law and basic standards of human morality. Russia has long maintained strategic ties with Iran and has repeatedly called for diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the Middle East.
European leaders have urged restraint and called for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz jointly called on the United States and Iran to resume negotiations.
In their statement, the leaders also condemned Iranian attacks targeting countries in the region and urged Tehran to avoid indiscriminate military strikes. They emphasised that the future of Iran should ultimately be decided by its own people.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia condemned Iranian attacks on several Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, describing them as breaches of sovereignty. Riyadh warned of serious consequences if such violations continue and called on the international community to take steps to protect regional stability.
France has also cautioned that the situation could escalate further. Defence Minister Alice Rufo said the region is currently witnessing a dangerous military escalation. She urged French citizens in the Middle East to remain extremely cautious, adding that the government’s immediate priority is protecting its nationals and military personnel stationed in the region.
As tensions continue to rise, global powers are closely monitoring developments, with many urging diplomacy to prevent a wider regional war.
