China’s permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a sharp rebuke of U.S. military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities during an emergency meeting in Vienna on Monday, calling the strike “egregious and unprecedented.”
A Call for Restraint and Dialogue
Li Song, addressing IAEA member states, emphasized that the U.S. attack violated core principles of the UN Charter and international law. “As a nuclear-weapon state and UN Security Council member, the U.S. bears greater responsibility to uphold global stability,” Li stated, urging Washington to “cool down tensions” through diplomatic engagement.
Escalating Tensions in the Middle East
The envoy warned that the strike risks further destabilizing the Middle East, particularly amid ongoing regional conflicts. Li called on all parties, including Israel, to cease hostilities and prioritize civilian safety. “Negotiation – not military action – remains the only viable path to resolving the Iranian nuclear issue,” he added.
IAEA’s Role in Diplomacy
China reaffirmed support for the IAEA’s mandate to verify nuclear safeguards while stressing the need for impartiality in addressing Iran’s nuclear program. Li underscored Beijing’s opposition to attacks on safeguarded facilities, stating: “Violating sovereignty undermines global nonproliferation efforts.”
The emergency session concluded without immediate resolutions, but analysts note growing international scrutiny over U.S. actions and their implications for Middle East security.
