China cautions US after Trump threat to Iran

China on Monday expressed its objection to a possible United States action in Iran amid the ongoing protests over the nation’s economic crisis.

President Donald Trump has indicated that he might order a military “rescue” operation if the authorities use lethal force against demonstrators.

Hundreds of civilians have been reported killed in the unrest, which started late December and spread to major cities, fueling fears of an incursion by America.

The Chinese government says it is against interference in other countries’ internal affairs, noting that their sovereignty and security are fully protected by international law.

China declared its opposition to the “use or threat of force in international relations,” as Beijing hopes the Iranian government and people will overcome the current difficulties.

“We call on parties to act in ways conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said at a briefing.

Over the weekend, President Masoud Pezeshkian alleged that the U.S. was inciting chaos and riots in Iran because it could not defeat the Islamic Republic militarily.

At a meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi in Tehran, Pezeshkian accused America and Israel of disrupting international peace and stability.

He said the allies were bent on “prolonging war” in the region,” forestalling unity among the Islamic countries, and creating division “in order to carry out their sinister plots and objectives.”

In a televised interview, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s resolve to fix its problems “with every possible approach,” adding that the government was holding talks with the protesters “on a daily basis.”