China Tells Citizens To Leave Iran After Accusing Trump Of Escalating Conflict With Israel

China has urgently requested its citizens to evacuate both Iran and Israel as the conflict between these two Middle Eastern countries escalates, cautioning that the intensifying violence endangers civilians and could potentially expand into a larger regional crisis.

In an online statement released on Tuesday, June 17, the Chinese Embassy in Iran disclosed that it had worked with Iranian officials to ensure the safe exit of Chinese nationals. “The Chinese Embassy in Iran has coordinated with the Iranian side to facilitate outbound travel and reminds Chinese citizens currently in Iran to leave the country… as soon as possible,” the embassy stated.

The advisory comes after an unexpected aerial assault by Israel last week, targeting critical locations in Iran. The Israeli government has characterized the strikes as a preventive action to counter Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons ambitions, a claim that Tehran consistently refutes.

As tensions rise, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted a public warning on his Truth Social platform, urging Tehran residents to evacuate immediately. This prompted a strong condemnation from Beijing.

During a press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun denounced Trump’s comments, accusing him of worsening the situation. “Fanning the flames, pouring oil, making threats and mounting pressure will not help to promote the de-escalation of the situation, but will only intensify and widen the conflict,” Guo said.

He urged all involved parties, especially those with significant sway over Israel, to take prompt action to reduce tensions. “The Chinese side calls on all relevant parties, especially countries with special influence on Israel, to shoulder their responsibilities, take immediate measures to de-escalate tensions, and prevent the conflict from expanding and spreading.”

Concurrently, China’s embassy in Israel issued a parallel advisory, pressing its citizens to depart the country due to the worsening security conditions. “The Chinese mission in Israel reminds Chinese nationals to leave the country as soon as possible via land border crossings, on the precondition that they can guarantee their personal safety,” the embassy stated on WeChat, recommending travel toward Jordan when feasible.

The embassy emphasized the gravity of the conflict, noting that civilian infrastructure has been damaged, casualties are increasing, and the security situation is deteriorating rapidly.

On Tuesday, June 17, air raid sirens echoed across several areas of Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, after Israeli defense systems detected multiple missiles launched from Iran. AFP journalists reported hearing explosions over the cities as residents took shelter in underground parking facilities.

The escalating conflict has sparked global concern, particularly as it jeopardizes ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and world powers. Trump, whose administration withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, has urged Tehran to resume negotiations, but the recent military clashes have raised doubts about the prospects for diplomatic resolutions.

Meanwhile, more than 600 foreign nationals have reportedly escaped Iran into neighboring Azerbaijan as the conflict continues to intensify.

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Nnamdi Okoli