1 Chinese, at least 4 South Asian nationals killed amid airstrikes by US, Israel, Iran

DHAKA, Bangladesh/KATHMANDU, Nepal/ISTANBUL

One Chinese citizen and at least four South Asian nationals are among the fatalities after the US-Israeli military campaign, launched on Saturday on Iran, triggered Tehran's retaliation, hitting targets in regional countries.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, along with other Iranian officials, by US-Israeli strikes on Saturday, followed by Tehran targeting US-linked bases in the Gulf region. Many people have been killed and injured.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning confirmed that a Chinese citizen was killed in Tehran, according to Beijing-based daily Global Times.

Gulf nations host millions of expats from South Asian nations, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.

Authorities in Bangladesh said two of its nationals were killed in missile and drone attacks in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and seven others injured in different parts of the Middle East.

Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel Banglar Joyjatra is currently stranded at the Jebel Ali Port in the UAE, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The ministry, in a separate statement, said Dhaka was "saddened" to hear about the killing of Khamenei in a "targeted attack" which is a “violation of international law and norms.”

Bangladesh believes that "conflict brings no solution and only dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the international law can resolve disputes," it added.

1 Pakistani, 1 Nepalese also killed

One Pakistani and a Nepalese national were also killed during the attacks inside the UAE, while one Indian national was reported injured.

Nepalese authorities said they are “deeply shocked” and “saddened” about the death of a Nepali national in an attack at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Nepal has reiterated that “all parties concerned must ensure the safety, security and protection of civilians during active hostilities,” a statement by the Foreign Ministry said.

The "provisions of the respective Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law must be respected and fully adhered to at all times," it added

The joint US-Israeli attacks have killed several senior Iranian officials since Saturday, including Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Gulf countries. Three US service members have been killed and five others seriously wounded.