China's Foreign Ministry criticized U.S. strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities as a violation of the United Nations charter and expressed concern over potential spillover effects from the deepening conflict.

President Donald Trump said Israel and Iran both violated a cease-fire early Tuesday hours after it came into effect and urged Israel not to retaliate.

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding Wednesday after a rocky start, giving rise to cautious hope it could lead to a longer term peace agreement, even as Tehran insisted it would not give up its nuclear program.