US military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities egregious in nature and unprecedented: Chinese envoy
China's permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Li Song stated that the US, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a state party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and a nuclear-weapon state, conducted a military strike against against a non-nuclear-weapon state's facilities under IAEA safeguards—an act that is egregious and unprecedented in nature. China strongly condemns this action.
Li made the remarks at an emergency meeting the IAEA convened on the situation in Iran to discuss issues related to the US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities on Monday.
The US attacked three key Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday local time, according to CNN. US President Donald Trump claimed the operation "obliterated" the sites.
Li stressed that the US' move constitutes a grave violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, exacerbates tensions in the Middle East, and has severe negative repercussions. China expresses serious concern and firmly opposes any violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, as well as armed attacks against nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards.
Li emphasized that under the current circumstances, all parties should adhere to the overarching direction of resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through political means. The Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during its first term, and now it has recklessly resorted to military force against Iran—another serious incident undermining the political and diplomatic process on the Iranian nuclear issue. The US must bear historical responsibility for this, Li noted.
China calls on the parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to cease hostilities as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and prevent further escalation.
Li stated that resolutely upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime is crucial for maintaining global peace and security and serves the fundamental interests of the international community. The IAEA is a vital international organization responsible for safeguarding the nuclear non-proliferation regime, implementing safeguards, and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The board of governors and member states must take a stance on the serious developments in the Iranian nuclear issue, pool their joint efforts, uphold justice, and make principled, responsible and constructive efforts. China supports the IAEA in fulfilling its duties impartially and playing a positive role in the political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.
During the meeting, many countries expressed grave concern over the current developments, noting that attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities violated the UN Charter, international law, the IAEA Statute, and relevant IAEA General Conference resolutions. All parties reaffirmed that the political and diplomatic path remains the only viable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and called on the relevant parties to cease hostilities immediately and engage in dialogue and negotiations.