China Expresses Deep Concern About Israel’s Attacks on Iran, Urges De-Escalation 

Iranians hold posters of nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi (L), Fereidun Abbasi (C) and, IRGC general Gholam Ali Rashid (R) who were killed in Israeli airstrikes during a protest in Tehran, Iran, 13 June 2025. (EPA)
Iranians hold posters of nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi (L), Fereidun Abbasi (C) and, IRGC general Gholam Ali Rashid (R) who were killed in Israeli airstrikes during a protest in Tehran, Iran, 13 June 2025. (EPA)
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China Expresses Deep Concern About Israel’s Attacks on Iran, Urges De-Escalation 

Iranians hold posters of nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi (L), Fereidun Abbasi (C) and, IRGC general Gholam Ali Rashid (R) who were killed in Israeli airstrikes during a protest in Tehran, Iran, 13 June 2025. (EPA)
Iranians hold posters of nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi (L), Fereidun Abbasi (C) and, IRGC general Gholam Ali Rashid (R) who were killed in Israeli airstrikes during a protest in Tehran, Iran, 13 June 2025. (EPA)

China was deeply concerned about the Israeli attacks on Iran and urged de-escalation for regional peace and stability, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

"China opposes any infringement upon Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and opposes any escalation of tensions and expansion of conflicts. A sudden rise in regional tensions is not in the interests of any party," Spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular press briefing.

Lin also said China was ready to play a constructive role in easing the situation.

Israel launched large-scale strikes against Iran on Friday, saying it was the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Iran promised a harsh response with Israel saying it was working to intercept about 100 drones launched towards its territory.

Beijing and Tehran share friendly ties, supported by China's search for energy security through Iran's oil shipments.

Earlier on Friday, the Chinese embassies in Israel and Iran issued advisories to citizens warning of the "complex and severe" security situation in the two countries. The embassy in Tel Aviv also warned those in Israel to prepare for possible missile, rocket and drone attacks.



Iran Extends Access to Airspace for Overflights after Ceasefire

People attend the funeral procession of Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and others killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
People attend the funeral procession of Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and others killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
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Iran Extends Access to Airspace for Overflights after Ceasefire

People attend the funeral procession of Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and others killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
People attend the funeral procession of Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and others killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

Iran has expanded access to its airspace for international overflights following a ceasefire with Israel, though flight restrictions remain in place across much of the country, an official said Saturday.

"In addition to the eastern half of the country's airspace being available for domestic, international and overflight operations, the airspace over the central and western parts of the country has now also been opened only for international overflights," Majid Akhavan, spokesman for the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, said in a statement carried by the IRNA state news agency.

Flights to and from airports in the north, south and west of the country, including Tehran's Mehrabad and Imam Khomeini international airports, remained suspended, according to Akhavan.

"All fellow citizens are requested not to go to airports located in the northern, southern and western regions of the country," he said, urging travelers to follow updates through official sources only.

The move comes after Iran reopened its eastern airspace on Wednesday, following a ceasefire that ended 12 days of fighting with Israel.

Iran had closed its skies entirely on June 13 after Israel launched a wave of airstrikes, prompting Iranian missile retaliation.

Airports now operating include Mashhad in eastern Iran -- which Israel claimed to have targeted during the conflict -- as well as Chabahar in the southeast.

Flights in other regions remain suspended until further notice.