Amid escalating tensions following Israel's military strikes on Iran, analysts warn that China may retaliate against the U.S. through Iranian proxies, affecting Middle Eastern dynamics and international relations.

The summit had originally intended to deal primarily with the Ukraine war but has changed its agenda with the beginning of Operation Rising Lion.

Israel and Iran have opened a new chapter in their long history of conflict. Israel launched a major attack with strikes early Friday that set off explosions in the Iranian capital of Tehran.

China was deeply concerned about the Israeli attacks on Iran and urged de-escalation for regional peace and stability, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday. "China opposes any infringement upon Iran's sovereignty,

What does the conflict mean for the rest of the world, who is backing who, and how close are we to World War Three?

The 10-member bloc, currently chaired by China, called Israel's “aggressive actions against civilian targets (in Iran), including energy and transport infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties,

China has issued advisories to its citizens in Israel and Iran of the "complex and severe" security situation in those countries on Friday, adding a warning to those in Israel to prepare for possible missile and drone attacks.

Follow live updates as Iran retaliates after Israel strikes nuclear facilities. Stay informed with real-time news and developments.