Daily Tribune
Smoke plumes rise following missile strikes in Tehran on March 1, 2026. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, killing Iran’s supreme leader and top military leaders, prompting authorities to retaliate with strikes on Israel and US bases across the Gulf.
ATTA KENARE / AFP
China on Monday urged a ceasefire and diplomacy to end the Middle East conflict, now in its third day.
"The most urgent task is an immediate cessation of military operations and preventing a spread and spillover of conflict," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said, urging "a resolution through dialogue and negotiation."
One Chinese citizen was killed in Tehran during strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader. "The foreign ministry has instructed the Chinese embassy in Iran to provide assistance to the individual involved and the family," Mao said.
Beijing warned citizens against traveling to Iran, and more than 3,000 have left. Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed the "most ferocious" operation against U.S. and Israeli bases in the Gulf. Explosions were reported over the weekend in Doha, Dubai, and Manama.
