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 warned the Iran-Israel conflict may spread wider instability in the Middle East, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaching out to both countries as their days-old conflict shows no end in sight.

Iran noted that, instead of talking about Israel's aggression, the G7 accused Iran of being "the principal source of regional instability and terror" in the communique, and added "we have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon".

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

A US aircraft carrier is barrelling towards the Middle East after Donald Trump warned the “full strength and might” of the military would be used if America was attacked. Iran and

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.

If the U.S. entered the conflict between Iran and Israel, Tehran could target American military assets in the region, experts have told Newsweek.

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