• China warns of serious consequences following Israeli strikes on Iran's military and nuclear sites.
• Chinese officials express concern over escalated tensions and violations of Iranian sovereignty.
• China offers to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation in the Middle East.
• Domestic turmoil arises in Iran as retaliation is anticipated after Israel's military operations.
• Analysts suggest China could face geopolitical setbacks in the region.

In response to Israel's extensive military strikes against Iran, which targeted its nuclear and military assets, China has issued strong warnings about the potential for "serious consequences" stemming from such actions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed that China is "deeply worried" about the situation, opposing any violations of Iran's sovereignty and security. Beijing has called for all parties involved to contribute to regional peace and stability, emphasizing the need to prevent further escalations. This was reported by aa and newsweek.

At a recent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, China's UN Ambassador Fu Cong condemned Israel's actions, stating they violate Iran’s rights and could exacerbate regional conflicts. He urged Israel to halt these "risky military actions," highlighting the dire repercussions such hostilities could impose. Fu expressed concern regarding the impact this escalation could have on diplomatic negotiations related to Iran's nuclear program, illustrating China's commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution through dialogue, according to channelnewsasia and scmp.

Amid rising tensions, analysts warn that China's geopolitical ambitions may suffer a serious setback due to the conflict. Gordon Chang, a senior fellow, remarked that Iran has been central to China’s foreign policy goals in the Middle East, and its destabilization could necessitate a shift in strategy for Beijing. The concern is that China might rely on proxies to exert influence in the region following the setback, as Iran has traditionally served as a critical ally. These observations were made in an analysis reported by indiatimes.