Western diplomats are putting pressure on China to prevent Iran from escalating tensions in the Middle East by launching a retaliatory strike on Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has engaged with Chinese, Turkish, and Saudi counterparts to urge Iran not to escalate the situation.

European allies are also being urged to deliver a firm message to Iran about the consequences of escalation.

Germany, a critical player in the issue, has been in touch with China which has influence over Iran.

The delicate balancing act of denouncing China’s trade risks while encouraging its diplomatic intervention with countries isolated by Western sanctions continues.

China’s role as a significant trade partner of Russia and Iran adds complexity to the situation.

Israel’s conflict with Tehran-backed Hamas has intensified, leading to fears of retaliatory strikes, NBC News has reported.

Tensions rose further after Iranian military advisors were killed in a suspected Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate in Syria.

Iranian leaders have vowed retaliation against Israel for these killings, leading to heightened concerns of a full-blown conflict.

International efforts are underway to prevent further escalation, but the situation remains precarious.

The threat of potential conflict between Israel and Iran raises concerns about the broader implications for the region and beyond.

Written by B.C. Begley