Riyaz ul Khaliq
12 January 2026•Update: 12 January 2026
ISTANBUL
China Monday stressed steps towards peace and stability after US President Donald Trump said his administration was closely monitoring the situation in Iran and was considering “very strong options.”
“We always oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs and call on parties that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.
“We oppose the use of force or the threat of use of force in international relations. We call on all parties to act in ways conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East,” Mao told reporters in Beijing.
China’s reaction came after Trump said about Iran: “These are violent -- if you call them leaders -- I don't know if they're leaders or just, they rule through violence. But, we're looking at it very seriously.”
“The military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options. We'll make a determination,” Trump told reporters Sunday aboard Air Force One en route to Washington, DC, from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, where he spent the weekend.
Iran has been gripped by anti-government protests since Dec. 28 over the sharp depreciation of its national currency and worsening economic conditions.
US-based rights group HRANA reported deaths of 490 protesters and 48 security personnel, with more than 10,600 people arrested, though no official casualty estimates exist.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday dubbed the ongoing protests a “terrorist war.”
“Iranian authorities possess audio recordings of voice messages sent to terrorist elements ordering them to open fire on civilians and security forces,” he claimed.
Araghchi said the groups also targeted government buildings, police stations, and shops, and claimed authorities have images showing weapons being distributed among protesters.
“China hopes the Iranian government and people will overcome the current difficulties and uphold stability in the country,” said Mao in Beijing.
