China said it has maintained communication with all parties and “actively sought to promote reconciliation and prevent further fighting”, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily press briefing, Reuters reported.
Late on April 7, both the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire to the conflict that has rattled global markets and sparked geopolitical upheaval.
Beijing hoped that relevant parties would seize the opportunity for peace, “resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and work towards to early restoration of peace and stability in the (Persian) Gulf and the Middle East region”, Mao said.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of then Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
In retaliation, Iranian Armed Forces launched attacks on American and Israeli positions in the region, demonstrating their capability to strike back effectively. Despite initial expectations by the attackers of a swift victory, the Iranian response proved significantly more potent, inflicting heavy damage on US and Israeli military resources while rallying the nation's unity and resistance.
While the US president had issued an ultimatum, Pakistani mediation facilitated an agreement for a two-week ceasefire during which negotiations would take place in Islamabad. Iran has proposed a ten-point plan as the foundation for discussions, seeking terms such as the withdrawal of US forces from the region, lifting sanctions, and establishing control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Supreme National Security Council of Iran emphasized on April 8 that the aggression led to a historic victory for Iran, compelling the US to accept negotiation terms, including a plan for guaranteed non-aggression and the cessation of hostilities.
Iran has stressed that the negotiations would not signify an end to the conflict but rather an extension of the battlefield into diplomatic efforts, with a clear stance of distrust towards the US.