Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken by telephone with his Iranian counterpart about the tensions mounting between Iran and Israel.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Wang talked with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Monday.

Wang spoke about the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1 and Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel over the weekend. He said China considers the embassy assault to be an unacceptable and serious violation of international law.

The Chinese foreign minister said China has taken note of a statement made by Iran, in which Tehran said the limited action it took was an act of self-defense in response to the assault on its embassy in Syria.

Wang added that China believes Iran can handle the situation well, and spare the region further turmoil, while safeguarding its own sovereignty and dignity. He also expressed his intention to further boost bilateral ties.

The ministry said the Iranian foreign minister noted that the current situation in the Middle East is very sensitive. He reportedly said Iran is willing to exercise restraint. He is also said to have told Wang that Tehran does not intend to further escalate the situation.

The ministry revealed that Wang also spoke by telephone with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on Monday.

Wang confirmed with his Saudi counterpart that China will work together with Riyadh to prevent the confrontation in the Middle East from escalating further.