Trump Sets Fire to Middle East Powder Keg... "Reckless Action" Strong Criticism from Russia and China

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] On the 3rd (local time), the United States killed Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran's Quds Force (an elite unit of the Revolutionary Guards). In response, Iran's allies such as Russia and Syria condemned the act, accusing it of disrupting peace in the Middle East. China also sent a warning message urging the United States to exercise restraint.

A Russian Foreign Ministry official told TASS news agency on the same day, "We evaluate the killing of Soleimani through a missile strike as an adventurous move that will escalate tensions throughout the (Middle East) region," condemning the U.S. airstrike as a "reckless act."

The official added, "Soleimani devoted himself to protecting Iran's national interests," and "we express sincere condolences to the Iranian people."

Syria, which is receiving support from Iran in its domestic civil war, also joined in condemning the United States. Syria is allied with Iran as fellow Shiites.

A Syrian Foreign Ministry official told the local news agency SANA, "Syria strongly condemns the deceitful and criminal attack by the United States that resulted in the killing of Commander Soleimani." The official also pointed out, "This attack has caused serious tension escalation and reaffirmed the United States' responsibility for the instability in Iraq."

China, a rival of the United States, did not miss the opportunity to demand calm and restraint from the U.S. At a regular briefing on the 3rd, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "We urge the relevant countries, especially the United States, to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions."

Spokesperson Geng added, "This aligns with the interests of all countries," and "China consistently opposes the use of force in international relations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.