Russia and China Strongly Condemn U.S.–Israeli Attack on Iran as Violation of UN Charter and Warn of Humanitarian Disaster

Leaders in both Russia and China have issued sharp rebukes of the recent joint military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, framing the strikes as unlawful, dangerous and fraught with dire humanitarian consequences.

Moscow Calls Strikes “Unprovoked Aggression”

Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations Security Council, Vasily Nebenzia, vigorously criticized the U.S.–Israeli strikes during an emergency session of the Security Council. He described the military offensive as an unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign nation, warning that it violates core principles of the United Nations Charter and could precipitate a humanitarian, economic and potentially widespread regional catastrophe. According to Nebenzia, such actions risk destabilizing the Middle East far beyond current flashpoints and undermine international norms designed to prevent war.

Russian officials have also urged Washington and Tel Aviv to halt further hostilities and return to diplomatic negotiations, stressing that the use of force at this scale runs the risk of pulling additional countries into conflict.

Beijing Demands Ceasefire, Condemns Violation of International Law

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strikes as “brazen aggression” and insisted they represent a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Beijing called for an immediate ceasefire and for all parties to avoid further escalation, stressing that military action poses grave threats to civilian lives and regional stability. Chinese authorities specifically highlighted the importance of respecting the UN Charter and international law, calling for diplomacy and dialogue over military escalation.

China also took steps to protect its own nationals in the region by advising them to relocate away from hotspots and consider possible routes of departure amid the rapidly deteriorating security situation.

International Concern Rising

The joint response from Russia and China reflects broader global apprehension over the growing confrontation. Their statements at the United Nations and through official channels underscore fears that the conflict could spiral into a wider regional war with catastrophic humanitarian consequences — particularly given reports of civilian harm and infrastructure damage in impacted areas.

World leaders continue to call for urgent diplomatic engagement and restraint to prevent the conflict from widening further and to protect civilians caught in the crossfire.