China condemns Iran strikes, urges Gulf to oppose foreign influence

China's government has condemned the jointU.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iranand urged Gulf states to work together to oppose foreign influence, as theMiddle East erupts into a wider conflict.

In the country's initial comments Sunday, March 1, afterthe killing of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei,China's foreign ministry called the attacks "a grave violation of Iran's sovereignty and security" and denounced them as an infringement on the "principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations." Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning saidChina was not informed in advanceabout the strikes.

Updates:Iran conflict continues; 3 US fighter jets crash in Kuwait

On Monday, March 2, China's foreign minister held calls with his counterparts in Oman and Iran, reiterating the country's opposition and calling for the resumption of talks to prevent further escalation.

Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes against American and Israeli targets after the joint U.S.-Israeli attack. Iran said its enemies would be "decisively defeated." Photos show reported attacks in Bahrain and Qatar.

Smoke rises after the state news agency reported missile attack on the service center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain February 28, 2026, in this still image obtained from a video.

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See Iran's retaliatory attacks on US military sites in the Middle East

Iran launchedretaliatory drone and missile strikesagainst American and Israeli targets after the joint U.S.-Israeli attack. Iran said its enemies would be "decisively defeated." Photos show reported attacks in Bahrain and Qatar.Smoke rises after the state news agency reported missile attack on the service center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain February 28, 2026, in this still image obtained from a video.

The United States and Israel began striking Iran on Saturday, Feb. 28, in a campaign thatkilled the nation's supreme leader. PresidentDonald Trumpsaid the operation killed dozens of top officials and hit more than 1,000 targets inside the country. Iran and its allied militias, such as Hezbollah, have retaliated with strikes against Israel and U.S. military bases across the Middle East. Iran's targets have included several major Gulf cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera the strikes are not targeting Iran's Gulf neighbors, but rather the U.S. assets in the region.

The conflict in Iran, explained.Subscribe to our On Politics newsletter for the latest news and developments.

Thedeath tollhas continued to climb while airstrikes continued in the region. So far, four U.S. service members have been killed, according to the Pentagon. Hundreds of people have been killed across nine nations, according to numbers reported by Al Jazeera, citing aid organizations, government officials and local media outlets. The vast majority of those were in Iran, the outlet has reported. Officials from the Iranian Red Crescent said 555 people were killed and hundreds have been injured there.

One Chinese citizen was also killed in the U.S.-Israeli strikes that hit Iran's capital Tehran, according toReuters. The country's foreign ministry said that as of March 2, more than 3,000 Chinese citizens have been evacuated from Iran.

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In the face of the broadening conflict, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a call with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi that China supports the Gulf nations in "safeguarding their sovereignty and national security," according to an official statement summarizing the conversation.

Yi also expressed hope that the Gulf states would "oppose foreign interference," in a nod to the expanding conflict that has now touched more than a half-dozen nations.

China has strong economic ties with Iran and many of the Gulf states. It is the largest trading partner for many countries in the region, amplified by the area's energy resources and critical global trading routes. Oman has long been a diplomatic broker in the region, in particular between the United States and Iran.

Oman, which straddles the Strait of Hormuz opposite Iran, served as one of the key interlocutors during U.S.-Iranian negotiations that led to former President Barack Obama's 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal. Oman has also been facilitating attempts atnegotiations between the United States and Iranover the past several months.

In his call with Iran's foreign minister, Yi reiterated China's support of "sovereignty, security, territorial integrity," according to a Chinese ministry statement. Yi also urged Iran to pay attention to the "legitimate concerns" of its neighbors in the region.

"While positive progress has been made in the current negotiations, the U.S. actions violate all international law and cross Iran's red lines," the statement said. "Iran has no choice but to defend itself with all its might. China has publicly expressed its position of fairness and justice and hopes to continue playing a positive role in preventing the escalation of regional tensions."

Kathryn Palmer is a politics reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her atkapalmer@usatoday.comand on X @KathrynPlmr. Sign up for her daily politics newsletterhere.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:China condemns US-Israel strikes on Iran as 'a grave violation'

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March 02, 2026

China condemns Iran strikes, urges Gulf to oppose foreign influence

China's government has condemned the jointU.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iranand urged Gulf states to work together...

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Texas Tech student identified as victim in Austin bar shooting

One of the two victims in theAustin bar shooting early Sundayhas been identified as a Texas Tech University student, according to social media posts from his siblings and from a local politician.

Ryder Harrington, 19, was killed in the shooting that unfolded just outside of a popular beer garden in downtown Austin that also left 14 others injured. The suspect, who was fatally shot by officers, had a history of mental illness, sources familiar with the investigation told NBC News.

"Ryder was the best mix of all the Harrington crew," his brother,Reed Harrington, wrote on Facebook in a post confirming his death.He said the entire family appreciates the condolences they have received.

Authorities have not yet publicly identified the other victims and are still working to determine a motive in the shooting, including whether it was an act of terrorism. The Austin Police Department is set to have a press conference this afternoon.

"It is unfair, to say the least, that my little brother was only given 19 years on this earth," Reed Harrington wrote. "Watching the man he had become, and seeing all the lives he touched, leaves me certain that this world was robbed of a great future."

The brother added, "I don't think life will ever feel normal again. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do, but I know you will always be there to guide me and be my mentor."

Harrington's sister,Reagan Harrington, called him her "best friend" in an Instagram postmemorializing him, adding, "I can't believe you aren't with me right now."

"Nothing would be enough to express how special you are to me," Reagan Harrington wrote. "I'm not sure how we're meant to work through this — all I can think about is seeing you again."

Ryan Harrington, the fourth of the siblings, alsoposted about Harrington's death on Instagram.

"I'm gonna miss my brother," Ryan Harrington wrote.

Harrington's death was also confirmed by his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi.According to the chapter's Instagram post, Harrington was a part of the Fall 2024 pledge class.

"From the moment he joined our brotherhood, he brought a light that was impossible to ignore," the Beta Theta Pi post read. "Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable."

Beta Theta Pi will be hosting a candlelight vigil to honor their brother on Monday at 8 p.m., the post said. The chapter also started aGoFundMeto support Harrington's family.

Speaker of the Texas state HouseDustin Burrows posted about Harrington's passing on Xand said that the teen is the brother-in-law of one of his team members.

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"From all accounts, Ryder was exactly the kind of young man who made a difference without even trying — full of life, loyal to his friends, proud to be a Red Raider and a Texan, and someone who showed up for the people around him," Burrows wrote.

He added that he is praying for the Harrington family and "everyone who loved Ryder — the number appears to be countless."

Two killed in early Sunday shooting

Harrington was one of two victims killed in the shooting that broke out early Sunday morning outside of Buford's, a popular beer garden in downtown Austin. The other victim has not yet been identified.

Of the 14 injured, three were taken to the hospital in critical condition, said Robert Luckritz, chief of the county's emergency medical services. Their conditions were not immediately available as of Monday.

The shooter has been identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. Officers shot and killed him shortly after the attack, police said.

Diagne was a Senegalese national and a naturalized U.S. citizen living in Pflugerville, Texas, four law enforcement officials told NBC News. At the time of the shooting, he wore a sweatshirt that said "Property of Allah," and a shirt underneath bearing an Iranian-flag theme.

Diagne appeared to have acted alone and had no ties to the state, according to sources who emphasized that the investigation is in its preliminary stages.

A Homeland Security official told NBC News that Diagne first entered the U.S. on March 13, 2000, on a B-2 tourist visa. He became a lawful permanent resident in 2006 based on marriage to a U.S. citizen and a naturalized citizen in 2013, the official said. He was arrested in 2022 in Texas for a collision with vehicle damage, the official said.

On Sunday, Alex Doran, a special agent with the San Antonio FBI field office, said, "There were indicators that on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism," but noted that it is "still too early to make a determination on that."

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said at a news conference Sunday that Diagne may have circled Buford's in his car before rolling his window down, striking patrons on the bar's front patio using a pistol.

He then parked the car, got out holding a rifle, and shot people who were walking by, Davis said. Officers encountered the man along West Sixth Street, which is when they shot him.

Buford's is 2 miles from the heart of the University of Texas at Austin campus and less than a mile from the Texas Capitol Building.

Other Texas officials offered their prayers and condolences for the victims, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who warned anyone who "thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans."

He appeared to be talking about the joint military operationsof the U.S. and Israeli governments against Iran, which killed the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

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March 02, 2026

Texas Tech student identified as victim in Austin bar shooting

One of the two victims in theAustin bar shooting early Sundayhas been identified as a Texas Tech University student, acco...

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World hurries to respond to rapidly changing war around Iran

TOKYO (AP) — A shaken world reacted with anger and confusion — and more involvement than expected, in some cases — Monday as the coordinated U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend sprawled into a regional war.

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The first details of possible effects on Iran's nuclear program, the issue at the center of the escalating conflict, began to emerge. More allies of the U.S. and Israel engaged, as did Iran's armed proxies. And countries from the Gulf to Cyprus found themselves in the line of fire.

Fast-paced diplomacy was required as the missiles and drones kept coming. Borders closed, embassies emptied and allies sent military reinforcements.

Open support, and some silence

Many nations refrained from commenting directly on the initial U.S.-Israeli joint strikes but condemned Tehran's retaliation, perhaps mindful of U.S. President Donald Trump.Other governments criticized Iran's strikes on Arab neighbors while staying silent on the U.S. and Israeli military action.Canada — not shy about its frustration with the Trump administration — expressed open support for the U.S. strikes, along with Australia.Russia, Chinaand Spain responded with sometimes sharp criticism. Russia's foreign ministry accused the U.S. and Israel of "hiding behind" concerns about Iran's nuclear program while actually pursuing regime change.India called for dialogue. "There will have to be a dialogue at some point," the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said.With thousands of citizens of countries around the world stranded at airports or on cruise ships, and some from countries like the Philippines and China killed in the exchanges of fire, more nations have a stake in what comes next.All will have the chance for more say as international groups convene in urgent calls and meetings, after the U.N. Security Council gathered in emergency session on Saturday, hours after strikes began.Pitching in to stop IranIn a statement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on the United States and Iran to resume talks over Iran's nuclear program and said they favored a negotiated settlement. Saturday's strikes began two days after the latest round of talks.The three countries haveled effortsto reach a negotiated solution over Iran's nuclear program.At the same time, Britain, France and Germany said they were ready to help with efforts to keep Iran from firing more missiles and drones.But countries tried to make clear how far they might go. Germany will not actively participate in military action against Iran but will consider defending its soldiers stationed on multinational military bases in Jordan and Iraq if they are attacked, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Monday.Britain stressed that it was "not at war," although it said it would now permit the U.S. to use joint bases to strike Iran, pointing to Iran's "scorched-earth strategy."Top diplomats of six Gulf states — Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain — after an emergency meeting called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks and asserted their right to self-defense.A plea for talks, tooOman, which was facilitating the nuclear talks and tried to keep the U.S. and Iran at the table as tensions soared, said the U.S. action "constitutes a violation of the rules of international law and the principle of settling disputes through peaceful means." Oman, too, like other Gulf nations reported attacks that came uncomfortably close to home.But Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said after the second full day of hostilities that "the door to diplomacy remains open."Meanwhile, some states were shaken into saying something different.The 22-nation Arab League, which has historically condemned both Israel and Iran for actions it says risk destabilizing the region, called the Iranian attacks "a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability."And Syria was among Iran'sclosest regional alliesand a staunch critic of Israel under former President Bashar Assad, yet its foreign ministry singularly condemned Iran, reflecting the new government's efforts to rebuild ties with regional economic heavyweights and the United States.Concerns about oil and nuclear assetsChina, a significant buyer of Iranian oil, said it was "highly concerned" about the U.S. and Israeli strikes called for an immediate halt to the military action and return to negotiations.But Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday played down growing worry about the economic impact on oil shipments from the Middle East, saying Japan has oil reserves at home that can last for several months.The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. And European Union leaders in a joint statement called for restraint and diplomacy in hopes of "ensuring nuclear safety."___Associated Press writers around the world contributed.

Many nations refrained from commenting directly on the initial U.S.-Israeli joint strikes but condemned Tehran's retaliation, perhaps mindful of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Other governments criticized Iran's strikes on Arab neighbors while staying silent on the U.S. and Israeli military action.

Canada — not shy about its frustration with the Trump administration — expressed open support for the U.S. strikes, along with Australia.

Russia, Chinaand Spain responded with sometimes sharp criticism. Russia's foreign ministry accused the U.S. and Israel of "hiding behind" concerns about Iran's nuclear program while actually pursuing regime change.

India called for dialogue. "There will have to be a dialogue at some point," the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said.

With thousands of citizens of countries around the world stranded at airports or on cruise ships, and some from countries like the Philippines and China killed in the exchanges of fire, more nations have a stake in what comes next.

All will have the chance for more say as international groups convene in urgent calls and meetings, after the U.N. Security Council gathered in emergency session on Saturday, hours after strikes began.

Pitching in to stop Iran

In a statement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on the United States and Iran to resume talks over Iran's nuclear program and said they favored a negotiated settlement. Saturday's strikes began two days after the latest round of talks.

The three countries haveled effortsto reach a negotiated solution over Iran's nuclear program.

At the same time, Britain, France and Germany said they were ready to help with efforts to keep Iran from firing more missiles and drones.

But countries tried to make clear how far they might go. Germany will not actively participate in military action against Iran but will consider defending its soldiers stationed on multinational military bases in Jordan and Iraq if they are attacked, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Monday.

Britain stressed that it was "not at war," although it said it would now permit the U.S. to use joint bases to strike Iran, pointing to Iran's "scorched-earth strategy."

Top diplomats of six Gulf states — Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain — after an emergency meeting called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks and asserted their right to self-defense.

A plea for talks, too

Oman, which was facilitating the nuclear talks and tried to keep the U.S. and Iran at the table as tensions soared, said the U.S. action "constitutes a violation of the rules of international law and the principle of settling disputes through peaceful means." Oman, too, like other Gulf nations reported attacks that came uncomfortably close to home.

But Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said after the second full day of hostilities that "the door to diplomacy remains open."

Meanwhile, some states were shaken into saying something different.

The 22-nation Arab League, which has historically condemned both Israel and Iran for actions it says risk destabilizing the region, called the Iranian attacks "a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability."

And Syria was among Iran'sclosest regional alliesand a staunch critic of Israel under former President Bashar Assad, yet its foreign ministry singularly condemned Iran, reflecting the new government's efforts to rebuild ties with regional economic heavyweights and the United States.

Concerns about oil and nuclear assets

China, a significant buyer of Iranian oil, said it was "highly concerned" about the U.S. and Israeli strikes called for an immediate halt to the military action and return to negotiations.

But Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday played down growing worry about the economic impact on oil shipments from the Middle East, saying Japan has oil reserves at home that can last for several months.

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. And European Union leaders in a joint statement called for restraint and diplomacy in hopes of "ensuring nuclear safety."

Associated Press writers around the world contributed.

byNeo

in

March 02, 2026

World hurries to respond to rapidly changing war around Iran

TOKYO (AP) — A shaken world reacted with anger and confusion — and more involvement than expected, in some cases — Monday...

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169 people killed after insurgents raid a village in a remote area of South Sudan

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — At least 169 people were killed after insurgents raided a village in a remote area ofSouth Sudan, a local official said Monday, It's the latest bout ofsporadic violencethat has left the country teetering on the verge of full-blown civil war.

The victims, including 90 civilians, were attacked on Sunday in Abiemnom county, said James Monyluak, information minister for the administrative area of Ruweng.

He said women and children were among the dead, in addition to dozens of combatants.

The U.N. Mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS, said in a statement that 1,000 people sought shelter at its base after the attack.

"Such violence places civilians at grave risk and must stop immediately," Anita Kiki Gbeho, a UNMISS official, said in a statement. "I urge all involved to cease hostilities without delay and engage in constructive dialogue to address their grievances."

"Our peacekeepers will continue to do everything within their capabilities to protect civilians seeking refuge at our base," she added.

The UNMISS statement cited 23 wounded in the attack in Ruweng, as well as concern over "reports indicating that dozens of civilians and some local officials have lost their lives."

The killings are part of anescalating wave of violencegripping South Sudan as government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir battle armed men who are believed to be loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar.

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Stephano Wieu De Mialek, the chief administrator of Ruweng Administrative Area, said on Sunday that the assault was conducted by elements linked to the White Army militia alongside forces affiliated with Machar's Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition. Wieu described the attack as a coordinated and organized assault, calling it an act of rebellion.

In a statement, Machar's group denied responsibility for the attack and asserted that it "has no military presence in the area concerned."

Machar was Kiir's deputy until September, when he was removed after he faced criminal charges. He is under house arrest in Juba, the South Sudan capital, as his trial progresses.

The U.S. is urging talks between Kiir and Machar.

Ongoing violence threatens a fragile peace reached in 2018 after a five-year civil war. After that agreement, Machar was named South Sudan's first vice president in a government of national unity. A U.N. inquiry has found that South Sudan's leaders are "systematically dismantling" that agreement.

Machar's supporters say the charges against him for alleged subversion are politically motivated. His removal from office coincided with a sharp increase in violence.

The conflict escalated in December when opposition forces seized government outposts in the county of Jonglei, an opposition stronghold and a flashpoint in renewed fighting that the U.N. estimates has displaced 280,000 people.

Aid groups have warned thataccess restrictionsto opposition-held parts of the state are endangering civilian lives.

The government has conducted a counteroffensive since January with aerial bombardments and ground assaults, despite an official commitment to the peace agreement.

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March 02, 2026

169 people killed after insurgents raid a village in a remote area of South Sudan

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — At least 169 people were killed after insurgents raided a village in a remote area ofSouth Sudan...

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