China on Sunday denounced the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli attacks on Tehran a day earlier. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described the killing as a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, issuing its statement on the social media platform X. It said the attack trampled on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms of international relations, adding that China firmly opposed and strongly condemned the act.

The ministry reiterated its call for an immediate end to military operations in the Middle East and urged a joint effort to maintain peace and stability both in the region and globally. Tehran announced Khamenei’s death early Sunday, declaring 40 days of public mourning across the country. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said he was killed at his office early Saturday and described his death as the beginning of a great uprising against the tyrants of the world.

US President Donald Trump had earlier written on his social media platform that Khamenei was dead, ahead of Tehran’s confirmation.