Trump urged to hold off strikes against Iran
發佈日期: 2026-01-16 20:27
TVB News
Several Middle Eastern allies of the United States have reportedly urged US President Donald Trump's administration to hold off on strikes against Iran for the government's deadly crackdown on protesters.
This comes as a Chinese envoy called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalating the situation in Iran at a UN Security Council meeting.
Meanwhile, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi laid out his aspirations for Iran if its theocracy is toppled.
According to a diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity, top officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have raised concerns in the last 48 hours that a US military intervention in Iran would shake the global economy and destabilise an already volatile region.
However, the White House maintained "all options remain on the table" for US President Donald Trump as he deals with Iran.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: "What I will say with respect to Iran is that the president and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences.
And so the president and his team are closely monitoring this situation and all options remain on the table for the president."
At a United Nations Security Council meeting, a Chinese envoy called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalating the situation in Iran.
Sun Lei, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stressed Iran's affairs should be decided independently by the Iranian people.
He said China always advocates adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and opposes the use or threat of force in international relations and imposition of one country's will upon another.
Meanwhile, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi laid out his aspirations for Iran if its theocracy is toppled. "In security and foreign policy, Iran's nuclear military program will end.
Support for terrorist groups will cease immediately. A free Iran will work with regional and global partners to confront terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking, and extremist Islamism.
Iran will act as a friend and a stabilising force in the region and it will be a responsible partner in global security. In diplomacy, relations with the United States will be normalised and our friendship with America and her people will be restored. The State of Israel will be recognised immediately," he said.
That plan likely is aimed at trying to secure US support to lead Iran if the nationwide protests succeed in ousting the Islamic Republic.
Nearly 50 years of theocratic rule has left little opportunity for major opposition figures to coalesce, leaving Pahlavi as one of only a few recognisable faces.
