The Chinese embassy has urged its citizens to leave Israel "as soon as possible" as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate.

"The Chinese mission in Israel reminds citizens to cross the land border as soon as possible and leave the country on the premise of ensuring their personal safety," the Chinese embassy said in a statement to citizens on WhatsApp on Tuesday (June 17).

Advising citizens to travel to Jordan, the embassy added that the conflict is escalating, with much civilian infrastructure damaged, civilian casualties increasing, and the security situation becoming more serious.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has called a surprise meeting with his national security team in the White House's 'Situation Room'. Trump was in Canada for the G-7 summit on Tuesday (June 16) local time. He is cutting short his visit there and returning home. He has called a meeting of his security team in the meantime.