BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- China deeply regrets the damage caused to Iran's cultural relics and historical sites amid the ongoing war, and urges all involved parties, especially the United States and Israel, to fully cease military operations immediately, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday.

This photo taken on March 3, 2026 shows a view of the damaged Golestan Palace in Tehran, Iran. (Photo: Xinhua)

Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a media query.

World cultural heritage is a precious treasure for all humanity, Mao said, adding that China urges all parties to start dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible, and bring an early end to the war that should never have broken out.