Smoke rises after debris from an incoming projectile that was intercepted fell on Tel Aviv's seaside promenade, Israel, March 31, 2026. Photo: AP/Ohad Zwigenberg
Smoke rises after debris from an incoming projectile that was intercepted fell on Tel Aviv's seaside promenade, Israel, March 31, 2026. Photo: AP/Ohad Zwigenberg

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said military measures cannot bring about a fundamental solution, while warning that escalating conflict will harm the global economy and energy security. Beijing also stated that the US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran are the "root cause" of the disruption to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. According to China, “only by ending the military actions and restoring peace and stability in the Gulf can the international shipping lane be open and safe.”

Japan stressed the need to prioritize diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said that Tokyo will continue to coordinate with the international community and is considering attending a multilateral meeting organized by the UK to discuss reopening the strategic shipping route and to assess diplomatic measures to restore navigation.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin supports resolving all disagreements through political and diplomatic means. He affirmed Moscow's readiness to contribute to efforts to bring the situation in the Middle East back to a peaceful path.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the US is “nearing completion” of its military objectives in Iran but warned that "We're going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” if no agreement is reached.