Kenneth Glad
Overnight strikes inside Iran have pushed tensions sharply higher, with Israel openly taking responsibility for targeting senior figures. Within hours, China issued a blunt response, signaling concern that the conflict could spread beyond its current boundaries.
The latest developments point to a faster, more direct phase in the long-running confrontation between Israel and Iran.
Israel has claimed responsibility for several attacks on high-ranking Iranian officials, according to the Polish news outlet O2, citing the Polish Press Agency Polska Agencja Prasowa (PAP). Iranian authorities confirmed the death of Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib and said other senior military and security figures were also killed.
PAP reported that Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the army had been authorized to target senior Iranian officials without further approval. The statement suggests a shift toward quicker, less constrained operations.
The strikes, some reported overnight, appear aimed at Iran’s senior leadership and signal a more aggressive tempo.
Beijing reacts
China responded almost immediately. At a press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned both the policy and the attacks.
“We are shocked by these statements. We oppose the use of force in international relations. The assassination of Iranian state leaders and attacks on civilian targets are absolutely unacceptable,” Lin said, writes the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
China has maintained close ties with Iran and has consistently opposed targeted killings. This time, the tone was sharper, reflecting concern about how quickly events are unfolding.
Israel has argued that such operations are necessary to counter threats from Iran, highlighting the divide between the two positions.
Pressure builds
Beijing also pointed to growing international pressure to halt the violence. Lin said multiple countries are calling for an immediate ceasefire.
“The international community is widely calling for a swift ceasefire and end to hostilities,” he said.
According to PAP, the strikes have hit key figures within Iran’s security structure, increasing the chances of a response from Tehran, even as officials there stress internal stability.
If further attacks follow in quick succession, diplomatic efforts could quickly lose ground, leaving fewer options to contain the fallout.
Sources: Polish Press Agency (PAP), O2, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
