China warns of dangerous abyss in Middle East after Khamenei assassination

China has issued a stark warning that the situation in the Middle East is spiraling out of control following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating the act is a grave violation of international law.

In a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed Beijing’s “extreme concern” over the rapidly escalating tensions. According to a readout from China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang Yi cautioned that “the situation in the Middle East may be sliding into a dangerous abyss.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry explicitly condemned the killing, stating that the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei “seriously violated Iran’s sovereignty and security” and constitutes a breach of the United Nations Charter and established norms of international relations.

“Military action must stop immediately, the spread of war must be prevented, and the situation must not be allowed to reach a point of no return,” Minister Wang Yi stressed during the call with his Russian counterpart.

In a separate development, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby also offered his condolences to the nation of Iran. In a post on social media, President Déby conveyed his “most sincere and heartfelt condolences” to the government and people of Iran, emphasizing Chad’s commitment to “the values of peace and solidarity among nations” during this time of mourning.

The assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader has sent shockwaves through the region and the international community, raising fears of a wider conflict. China’s strong rebuke adds a significant diplomatic voice to calls for de-escalation.