China urges UN Security Council to avoid backing ‘unauthorized’ military operations in Mideast

ISTANBUL

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) not to support "unauthorized" military operations in the Middle East, warning that continued conflict could lead to "endless trouble."

Wang made the remarks during a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. He highlighted that the Strait of Hormuz remains "unstable if the war doesn't end," according to state-run news agency Xinhua.

“The top priority is to focus on cessation of hostilities. Actions by the UN Security Council should avoid escalating confrontations and should not legitimize unauthorized military operations; otherwise, it will lead to endless trouble, with small and medium-sized countries being the first to bear the brunt,” Wang said.

Earlier today, Wang made a similar appeal during a call with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, coinciding with a UNSC session debating a resolution tabled by Bahrain.

The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East since the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.

Tehran maintains effective control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for energy shipments to Asian nations, allowing transit only for vessels Iran designates as "friendly."