Chinese, South Asian Nationals Killed in Iran-U.S. Conflict

(MENAFN) At least five foreign nationals — including one Chinese citizen and no fewer than four individuals from South Asian countries — have been confirmed dead after Iran's retaliatory strikes on regional targets, themselves triggered by the US-Israeli military campaign launched against Tehran on Saturday.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening wave of US-Israeli strikes alongside other senior Iranian officials. Tehran responded by targeting American-linked military installations across the Gulf region, leaving a growing number of civilians and service members dead or wounded.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning confirmed that a Chinese national lost their life in Tehran, according to Beijing-based media.

The Gulf region is home to millions of expatriate workers from across South Asia, including nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal — communities now bearing a share of the conflict's civilian toll.

Bangladeshi authorities confirmed the deaths of two of their nationals in missile and drone strikes that struck the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with seven additional Bangladeshi citizens reported injured across various parts of the Middle East. The Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel Banglar Joyjatra remains stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the UAE, the Foreign Ministry disclosed.

In a separate statement, Dhaka expressed grief over Khamenei's death, describing it as the result of a "targeted attack" that constitutes a "violation of international law and norms." Bangladesh maintained that "conflict brings no solution and only dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the international law can resolve disputes."

One Pakistani, One Nepalese Also Killed
A Pakistani national and a Nepalese citizen were also killed within the UAE during the strikes, while one Indian national sustained injuries. Nepalese authorities said they are "deeply shocked" and "saddened" about the death of a Nepali national in an attack at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

Kathmandu called on all parties to prioritize civilian protection, stating that "all parties concerned must ensure the safety, security and protection of civilians during active hostilities." Nepal's Foreign Ministry further stressed that the "provisions of the respective Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law must be respected and fully adhered to at all times."

Since Saturday, the joint US-Israeli campaign has eliminated several of Iran's most senior officials, including Khamenei. Tehran has countered with sustained drone and missile salvos directed at Gulf nations. On the American side, three US service members have been killed and five others left with serious wounds.

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