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's Foreign Ministry has condemned the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear sites overnight, saying in a social media post that the move violates "the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law,

Foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, France and Germany met with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva on Friday, marking the most significant known diplomatic talks between Tehran and Western governments since Israel launched a surprise offensive against Iran one week ago.