China has slammed U.S. President Donald Trump for “pouring oil” on the Iran-Israel conflict after he issued an urgent evacuation warning to residents of Tehran.
The diplomatic jab came on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, days after Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across Iran in a dramatic escalation of hostilities in the region.
Israeli officials claim the strikes aimed to stop Tehran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme—an accusation Iran denies.
Trump responded by calling for the immediate evacuation of Iran’s capital.
“Everyone should immediately evacuate!” he posted on Truth Social, sparking international concern.
Beijing, reacting sharply, warned that such rhetoric could further inflame an already volatile situation.
“Fanning the flames, pouring oil, making threats and mounting pressure will not help to promote the de-escalation of the situation,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.
“It will only intensify and widen the conflict.”
Guo urged global powers to act fast. “Countries with special influence on Israel must shoulder their responsibilities and take immediate measures to prevent the conflict from spreading,” he stated.
China has long positioned itself as a neutral party in Middle Eastern affairs, but this latest flare-up has prompted a more vocal stance.
Beijing’s embassy in Israel also issued a security alert, urging Chinese nationals to leave the country without delay.
“Chinese nationals should depart via land crossings if their personal safety can be ensured,” the embassy stated on its official WeChat channel.
The advisory recommended that Chinese citizens exit through Jordan and warned of worsening conditions.
“Civilian casualties are rising, infrastructure has been hit, and the security situation is becoming more serious,” it said.
The Iran-Israel conflict, triggered by Israel’s surprise strikes, has also cast a shadow over ongoing nuclear negotiations.
Trump, meanwhile, has doubled down on calls for Tehran to return to the table, while insisting his actions are aimed at avoiding war.
But critics argue his approach is only adding fuel to the fire.
As the situation deteriorates, fears of a broader regional war continue to rise, putting additional pressure on global leaders to find a diplomatic off-ramp—before it’s too late.
