China has strongly condemned the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, describing it as a serious violation of international norms and state sovereignty.

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the position known on Sunday while responding to questions about military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel in Tehran. Iranian authorities have said the strikes resulted in Khamenei’s death, though the claim remains unverified by independent sources.

The spokesperson said the attack undermines Iran’s sovereignty and national security and contradicts the principles of international relations and the United Nations Charter.

Beijing stated that it firmly opposes actions that escalate tensions or destabilise the region. It called for an immediate halt to military operations and urged all parties to exercise restraint.

China also appealed for coordinated international efforts to de-escalate the crisis and stressed the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.