In a recent commentary, the Chinese state media outlet Global Times asserted that the United States bears responsibility for the nuclear situation in Iran, while entirely absolving its allies of any wrongdoing related to their nuclear activities.
China’s Foreign Ministry has supported Iran’s regime until very recently, particularly following Israel’s military operation named “Operation Rising Lion,” which targeted key Iranian military figures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need for these actions, citing Iran’s accumulation of fissile material capable of producing multiple nuclear weapons. Iranian leaders have frequently declared their intent against Israel, even making genocidal threats towards neighboring nations.
Shortly before the United Nations Nuclear Monitoring Agency (IAEA) issued a resolution condemning Iran’s nuclear advancements, China stood out as one of the few nations opting not to support it.
During this commentary, Global Times denounced the U.S. for not engaging in military operations that have come to light as part of Operation Rising Lion. The Chinese government has long sought to position itself as a mediator in the Middle East, trying to capitalize on the escalating tensions post-Israeli confrontations with Iranian proxies like Hamas. However, so far, Iranian leaders have not responded positively to these overtures.
In the piece, Global Times criticized the potential U.S. involvement as a troubling signal, directly condemning Washington for the ongoing conflict without acknowledging Iran’s excessive uranium claims, which far exceed civilian needs, or its history of threats against the Israeli population.
The commentary stated, “The U.S. is responsible for Iran’s nuclear issue,” adding that if the U.S. had not withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the situation might not have deteriorated so severely.
What the commentary failed to mention was that President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the JCPOA in 2018 due to Iran’s repeated violations.
Global Times also noted that while protecting Iranian people is important, it should not compromise Iran’s sovereignty or security. They declared that reckless military actions against Iran would infringe on international law.
They concluded that the U.S. needs to adopt a more balanced approach and refrain from inflaming tensions.
Trump has consistently encouraged a peace dialogue between Iran and Israel, suggesting that such a deal is “attainable” and urging Iran to communicate with both the U.S. and Israel. Meanwhile, Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared his rejection of any peace imposed from the outside.
Khamenei firmly stated, “Our nation will resist any imposed war or peace.” He conveyed that Iran would not succumb to external pressures.
As is typical, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs took a more aggressive anti-American stance regarding the Iran-Israel conflict in a recent commentary.
Spokesman Guo Zi-Kun told reporters that they oppose actions breaching the UN Charter and infringing upon other nations’ sovereignty. He stated that escalating tensions in the Middle East do not benefit any involved parties.
Guo suggested that nations with significant influence over Israel should avoid naming the U.S. and play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation.
The Chinese Communist Party has expressed a commitment to safeguard its interests in Iran, and Xi Jinping recently reiterated China’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and national dignity during a summit of the anti-American BRICS coalition, where Iran was invited to join.
As Israel conducted airstrikes, Chinese officials began to call for a greater role in the Middle East once again. Reports indicated that Foreign Minister Wang Yi reached out to both Iranian and Israeli counterparts following the strikes, but neither showed interest in China’s participation.
Guo stated that China would continue to play a “constructive role” in the ongoing Israeli-Iran conflict, though the specifics of this role remain unclear.
