China, Pakistan call for Iran ceasefire, Strait security, and UN-backed peace talks
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China and Pakistan on Tuesday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Iran war, protection of civilian infrastructure, secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and United Nations backing for a peace deal, marking Beijing’s formal entry into efforts to end the conflict.
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, where the two sides unveiled a five-point initiative aimed at launching talks between Iran, the United States, and regional countries.
The joint statement said "dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable options to resolve conflicts" and called for all sides to begin talks while refraining from the use or threat of force.
The proposal urges an immediate end to hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian aid to war-affected areas. It also calls for the protection of Iran and Gulf states' sovereignty and an end to attacks on civilians, energy facilities, desalination plants, power stations, and nuclear infrastructure.
China and Pakistan also called for the restoration of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely shut since Iran expanded its retaliation against Gulf states hosting US military facilities. The statement urged the safe passage of civilian and commercial ships through the waterway.
The war, now in its fifth week, began after Israel and the US launched missile strikes on Iran.
There was no immediate response from Washington or Tehran to the initiative. However, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, welcomed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
US President Donald Trump struck a different tone on Tuesday, saying countries affected by the closure of the Strait should "go get your own oil" and take responsibility for securing the route themselves.