China has expressed strong disapproval over reports that the Israeli military has been “authorised to kill any Iranian official,” calling such actions unacceptable under international law. In a statement posted on its official X account on March 19, 2026, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the country is “firmly against the use of force in international relations” and condemned attacks on both leaders and civilians.
The statement comes amid escalating violence in the region. On Wednesday, SaharaReporters reported that Esmaeil Khatib, Iran’s Minister of Intelligence, was killed in a targeted strike in Tehran. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) described Khatib as playing a significant role in Iran’s security operations, including actions during the 2022–2023 Mahsa Amini protests and activities against Israeli and U.S. interests globally.
The IDF also announced the killing of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in an airstrike near Tehran. According to Israel, Larijani coordinated Iran’s political-security affairs and oversaw strategic operations, making him a central figure in the Iranian leadership.
These operations, which have also reportedly included the targeting of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, have heightened tensions between Israel, Iran, and the United States. China’s response underscores international concern over the use of lethal force in diplomatic and military conflicts, emphasizing that targeted killings of state officials and attacks on civilians are “by no means acceptable.”
The ongoing strikes highlight the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, with global powers closely monitoring developments as regional security risks grow.
