China asks US-Iran to honor ceasefire commitments

JAKARTA - The Chinese government has asked the United States, Iran and other parties concerned to respect the commitment to a ceasefire after the US launched another attack on Monday (25/5).

"We urge the parties concerned to respect the commitment to the ceasefire, resolve disputes in a peaceful manner, and continue to seek solutions that accommodate the legitimate concerns of all parties through dialogue and negotiations so that peace can return to the Middle East and the Gulf region as soon as possible," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning at a press conference in Beijing, Tuesday, May 26.

The United States on Monday (25/5) said it had launched an "defensive" attack in southern Iran by targeting a missile launcher and a ship suspected of laying sea mines.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins told the media that the target of the attack included a missile launch site and an Iranian ship that was said to be trying to place mines.

"US Central Command continues to protect our forces while remaining restrained during the ceasefire," Hawkins said.

"Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran, China has maintained close communication with all relevant parties, including Iran, and has made active efforts to promote a ceasefire and peace," added Mao Ning.

Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, Mao Ning said China has always supported peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiation.

"We hope that the parties concerned will take advantage of this opportunity and find a solution that accommodates the legitimate concerns of all parties through negotiations," said Mao Ning.

China, said Mao Ning, will continue to play a constructive role in the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue to maintain the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and promote peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.

Fox News, citing sources, said the US military had reportedly destroyed two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ships and a surface-to-air missile system in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.

"The US military destroyed both IRGC vessels and also attacked the surface-to-air missile system in Bandar Abbas, which was targeted by US fighter jets," he added.

Iranian media reported hearing explosions in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas as well as the areas around Sirik and Jask on the Gulf coast.

The semi-official Fars news agency reported that a number of Bandar Abbas residents heard several explosions, although the source and exact location of the explosions could not be determined.

Fars also reported that similar explosions were heard almost simultaneously in the areas around Sirik and Jask, which face the Gulf region.

In response to the attack, senior Iranian military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi said any further attacks by the US and Israel would be met with a "harsher" and "stronger" response.

"If the region enters a new round of war, Iran's response will go beyond the region and will be much harsher and stronger," Shekarchi said in his statement, as quoted by Fars, Tuesday (26/5).

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday (26/5) also stated that it had deployed an air defense system, shot down an MQ-9 drone, and forced an F-35 aircraft and an RQ-4 drone to leave Iranian airspace.

The statement comes amid mediation efforts led by Pakistan to end the war that erupted after the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28 and was retaliated by Iran.

The ceasefire came into effect on April 8 and was later extended indefinitely by US President Donald Trump.