Beijing: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday urged all involved parties to press the "stop button" on military operations in the Middle East. An immediate ceasefire is the universal consensus of the international community, he emphasized during a phone call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, as stated by China's Foreign Ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wang reiterated China's principled stance, highlighting that both China and Egypt, as responsible countries, advocate resolving regional issues through dialogue and consultation while opposing the use of force. He warned that prolonged conflict in the Middle East would only lead to more suffering and negatively impact the region's economy.

Wang further stated that Beijing is willing to maintain communication and coordination with regional countries, including Egypt, to work towards broader peace in the region. In response, Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty expressed Egypt's deep concern about the current conflict, referring to the UN Security Council resolution that calls on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further regional instability.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated following joint attacks by Israel and the US on Iran on February 28, which have resulted in over 1,300 deaths, including Ali Khamenei, the country's former supreme leader, and more than 150 schoolgirls. Over 10,000 individuals have also been injured in these attacks.

In retaliation, Tehran launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries that host US military assets. The conflict has claimed the lives of eight US service members since it began.

Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz since around March 1 has caused a surge in oil prices. This narrow shipping lane is critical, handling about 20 million barrels of oil daily and roughly 20% of the global liquefied natural gas trade.