BEIJING - 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, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

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

World cultural heritage is a precious treasure for all humanity, she 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.