Q: It’s reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the air strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel. What is China’s comment?

A: The attack and killing of Iran’s supreme leader is a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security. It tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it. We urge for an immediate stop to the military operations, no further escalation of the tense situation and joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large.