As an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iran last week sparks a spiraling conflict between the two enemy states, China has seen an opportunity to cast itself as potential peace broker – and an alternative voice to the United States.

China suggested the US use its influence with Israel to stop the conflict with Iran from spilling over, a sign Beijing is becoming increasingly concerned about the stability of a region it relies on for energy supplies.

Rising tensions in the Middle East will accelerate natural gas negotiations between Russia and China, with a decision likely this year, the head of a think-tank that advises the Russian government on China told Reuters.

Hostilities between Israel and Iran have entered the fifth day after Israel refused any diplomatic overtures from Iran overnight to stop the ongoing conflict. In response, The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued an evacuation directive,

Loud explosions rocked key Iranian cities as well as Israel’s Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Tuesday, amid fresh missile attacks from both sides. Meanwhile, Iran has claimed to hit Israeli spy agency Mossad's centre.

Chinese commentators have said that Iran might have fared better against Israeli strikes if had been equipped with Chinese weaponry

Both countries have closed their airspaces, leaving few options for citizens of other countries seeking to leave.

The USS Nimitz strike group is deploying to the Middle East amid ongoing strikes between Israel and Iran that threaten to develop into a broader conflict, a U.S. defense official confirmed Monday.

Iran’s cyber command ordered top officials and their security teams to avoid IT equipment connected to telecom networks in a sign they fear digital disruption from Israel. The news was reported by the Fars news agency on Tuesday,

The planes were reportedly carrying military supplies or restricted goods, potentially reinforcing Iran’s defence capabilities amid its standoff with Israel. The secrecy surrounding the landings, including the transponder shutdowns and unannounced arrivals in Tehran,