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China called on Iran and the United States to uphold a fragile ceasefire and continue moving toward compromise, as Pakistan signaled that a deal between Tehran and Washington could be nearing completion.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during an open debate session at the U.N. Security Council in New York on Tuesday, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.
"We hope that the parties concerned can stay committed to pursuing a ceasefire and continue to meet each other halfway, so that peace can return to the Middle East as early as possible," Wang said. He also voiced support for mediation efforts led by Pakistan and other countries, while backing diplomatic engagement by both Iran and the U.S.
The comments came as tensions remained high despite ceasefire efforts, with Iran accusing the U.S. of violating the truce and warning it could retaliate after U.S. forces struck missile sites in southern Iran and targeted boats allegedly attempting to lay mines on Monday, threatening broader negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, told Wang during talks in Beijing on Monday that a U.S.-Iran agreement was "close to being reached," according to Chinese state media.
The meeting took place during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China. Munir briefed Wang on Islamabad’s mediation efforts after returning from Tehran, where he met Iranian officials last week.
Munir told Beijing that Pakistan was willing to "continue making every effort" to help facilitate an agreement and hoped China would take on a larger role in the process, reports suggested. Wang described Pakistan as "a trustworthy mediator" and welcomed its diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, Iran is seeking the release of $24 billion in frozen assets as part of a possible agreement with Washington, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency. Tehran reportedly wants immediate access to $12 billion, while another $12 billion would be transferred within 60 days of signing a deal.
Iranian parliament speaker and top negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf traveled to Qatar on Monday for talks focused on securing the first tranche of funds and removing obstacles tied to the transfer process.
A source cited by Tasnim said Iranian officials stressed the need for strict oversight during implementation to avoid issues seen in previous fund-release arrangements involving South Korea and Qatar.
The source added that negotiations in Qatar were "generally positive" and helped move broader discussions forward.
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