WORLD NEWS: CHINA ACCUSES TRUMP OF 'POURING OIL' ON IRAN-ISRAEL CONFLICT

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By: Sefiu Ajape

China on Tuesday accused U.S. President, Donald Trump of “pouring oil” on the fire amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, following his call for residents in Tehran to “immediately evacuate.”

The criticism came in the wake of Israel’s surprise aerial offensive launched last week on various targets within Iran.

The Israeli government said the strikes were intended to prevent Iran—its long-standing rival—from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran continues to deny.

The sudden flare-up in hostilities has sparked fears of a wider conflict, with Trump urging Iran back to the negotiating table after Israel’s attacks derailed ongoing nuclear talks.

Trump also issued an extraordinary warning on his Truth Social platform: “Everyone should immediately evacuate!”

Asked about Trump’s remarks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, “Fanning the flames, pouring oil, making threats and mounting pressure will not help to promote the de-escalation of the situation, but will only intensify and widen the conflict.

“The Chinese side calls on all relevant parties, especially countries with special influence on Israel, to shoulder their responsibilities, take immediate measures to de-escalate tensions, and prevent the conflict from expanding and spreading.”

China’s embassy in Israel on Tuesday also urged its citizens to leave the country “as soon as possible” after Israel and Iran traded heavy strikes.

“The Chinese mission in Israel reminds Chinese nationals to leave the country as soon as possible via land border crossings, on the precondition that they can guarantee their personal safety,” the embassy said in a statement on WeChat.

“It is recommended to depart in the direction of Jordan,” it added.

The embassy warned the conflict was “continuing to escalate”.

“Much civilian infrastructure has been damaged, civilian casualties are on the rise, and the security situation is becoming more serious,” it said.