China strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran and bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Sunday after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States carried out strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran — Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.

The actions of the US seriously violate the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East, the spokesperson said in a statement.

China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation, the statement said.

China stands ready to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, the spokesperson added.