Beijing, China – March 1, 2026 – China on Sunday issued a sharp condemnation of the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli military strikes on Tehran, describing the act as a “grave violation” of Iran’s sovereignty and a direct breach of the UN Charter and fundamental norms of international relations.
In an official statement posted on X by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing expressed firm opposition and strong condemnation of the killing. “The attack and killing of Iran’s supreme leader is a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security,” the ministry declared. “It tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it.”
The statement reiterated China’s longstanding position against military escalation in the Middle East, calling for an “immediate” end to all military operations. It urged all parties to engage in a “joint effort” to maintain peace and stability in the region and “the world at large.” Beijing emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving disputes, including concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security dynamics.
The announcement follows Iran’s official confirmation early Sunday of Khamenei’s death at age 86 during the US-Israeli bombardment that began Saturday morning. Iranian state media reported that the Supreme Leader was killed at his office in Tehran in the initial wave of strikes. Authorities declared a 40-day national mourning period, with state television broadcasting continuous religious ceremonies, Quran recitations, and calls for national unity and resilience.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council described Khamenei’s assassination as marking “the beginning of a great uprising against the tyrants of the world,” vowing that the nation would respond decisively while preserving its sovereignty. An interim Leadership Council has been formed under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as the clerical representative from the Guardian Council. The Assembly of Experts is expected to convene soon to select a permanent successor.
The strikes—codenamed “Lion’s Roar” by Israel and “Operation Epic Fury” by the United States—targeted Iranian military infrastructure, missile production facilities, command centers, and reportedly senior leadership figures. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the joint operation early Saturday, framing it as pre-emptive to eliminate threats from Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear ambitions, and support for regional proxies. Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on civilians to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging possible US casualties.
Prior to Tehran’s official confirmation, Trump posted on Truth Social that Khamenei was “dead,” a statement that circulated widely before Iranian authorities acknowledged the loss.
Iran launched large-scale retaliatory missile and drone barrages targeting Israeli territory and US military bases across the Gulf, including confirmed strikes on a US-linked facility in Bahrain’s Juffair area and an intercepted missile over Qatar. Civilian casualties have been reported, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly struck. The Iranian Red Crescent Society stated that attacks occurred near medical and humanitarian facilities in Tehran, including the Red Crescent Building, Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital, Behzisti facilities, and Motahari Hospital.
China’s condemnation aligns with its broader foreign policy stance of opposing unilateral military actions, defending state sovereignty, and advocating multilateral diplomacy. Beijing has maintained close strategic ties with Tehran, including through economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, energy imports, and joint opposition to Western sanctions. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin also offered condolences to President Pezeshkian on Sunday, describing Khamenei’s assassination as a “cynical violation” of international law and praising his contribution to Russian-Iranian strategic partnership.
The strikes occurred despite ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had described progress as “within our reach” after meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday.
International reactions have been polarized. France, Germany, and the UK denied participation in the strikes while condemning Iranian retaliatory attacks. The European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Latvia, Austria, and Ireland urged maximum restraint and respect for international law. Several Asian nations, including Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Bangladesh, called for de-escalation and diplomacy. Protests erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan, with clashes near the US Consulate in Karachi.
Gulf states—including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—have closed or restricted airspace, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over energy disruptions. Oil prices remain elevated amid fears regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
The assassination of Khamenei and the decimation of Iran’s top military leadership have plunged the Islamic Republic into a profound crisis. The interim Leadership Council’s role in maintaining continuity will be critical as the Assembly of Experts prepares to select a new Supreme Leader amid active hostilities.
As the conflict enters its third day, with missile exchanges ongoing and regional airspace restricted, China’s strong condemnation underscores the deepening geopolitical divide and Beijing’s alignment with Tehran during one of its most challenging moments since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
