China on Tuesday accused President Donald Trump of “pouring oil” on the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, after the US president told residents of Tehran to “immediately evacuate” last week.
The flare-up of hostilities has raised concerns about a wider war, with Trump calling Iran back to the negotiating table after Israeli attacks brought nuclear talks to a halt.
Trump also made a rare warning on his Truth Social platform: “Everyone must immediately leave Tehran!”
When asked about Trump’s comment, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: “Stirring up the flames, spreading oil, issuing threats and increasing pressure will not assist in promoting the de-escalation of the situation, but only deepen and broaden the conflict.”.
“China’s side appeals to all concerned parties, particularly those countries that have special influence on Israel, to assume their responsibilities, make concrete actions to reduce tensions immediately, and not let the conflict expand and spread.”
The embassy of China in Israel on Tuesday also asked its citizens to evacuate the country “as soon as possible”, after Israel and Iran exchanged heavy bombardment.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump departed from the Group of Seven summit in Canada a day ahead of schedule because of the Middle Eastern situation, the White House informed on Monday.
The French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that Trump had proposed a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Trump had previously called on everyone to leave Tehran immediately and restated that Iran should have agreed to a nuclear accord with the US.
“Much was done, but due to what is happening in the Middle East, President Trump will depart tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X.
