China says one citizen dead in Iran conflict, more than 3,000 evacuated

BEIJING, March 2 (Reuters) - The Iran conflict killed one Chinese citizen in capital Tehran, while more than 3,000 were evacuated, China's foreign ministry said on Monday, as its embassies and consulates in nearby countries swung into action to help the affected.

Attacks by the United States and Israel from Saturday killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, provoking retaliatory Iranian strikes on Israel and other Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases.

Work groups set up by Chinese embassies and consulates in neighbouring countries will receive and assist those evacuated, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press briefing.

China was not informed in advance about the U.S. military actions against Iran, Mao added.

She denied a report that Iran and China were close to reaching a deal to buy supersonic anti-ship missiles, saying China was a responsible major power that "always fulfilled its international obligations".

Mao reiterated condemnation of the attacks and the killing of Khameini, urging all parties involved to immediately cease military action to prevent escalation.

Jia Guide, China's ambassador to the United Nations, told the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday that the attacks against Iran and killing of the Iranian leader violated the principles of the U.N. Charter and the human rights of Iranians.

The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should be fully respected and China backs efforts to strengthen communication among countries, Mao said.