Chinese, Iranian FMs hold phone talks on Israel-Iran tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, held phone talks on Monday regarding the tensions between Israel and Iran.

Amir-Abdollahian briefed Wang on Iran's position on the attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, saying that the UN Security Council did not make a necessary response to this attack, and that Iran has the right to self-defense in response to the violation of its sovereignty.

Noting that the current regional situation is very sensitive, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is willing to exercise restraint and has no intention of further escalating the situation.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China strongly condemns and firmly opposes the attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, regarding it as a serious violation of international law and unacceptable.

China has noted Iran's statement that its action taken was limited and was an act of self-defense in response to the attack against the Iranian consulate in Syria, Wang said.

China appreciates Iran's stress on not targeting regional and neighboring countries, as well as its reiteration on continuously pursuing a good-neighborly and friendly policy, he said.

It is believed that Iran can handle the situation well and spare the region from further turmoil while safeguarding its own sovereignty and dignity, he added.

Wang also stated that the current situation is the spillover of the Gaza conflict and the pressing task now is to quickly implement UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and end the Gaza conflict to protect civilians and prevent further aggravation of humanitarian disasters.

China is willing to maintain communication with Iran for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue, Wang added.

(With input from Xinhua)