China Again Urges Iran and the US to Halt Conflict, Push for Dialogue

The Chinese government has again urged Iran and the United States to halt military actions and prioritise a resolution through dialogue to ease rising tensions in the Middle East region. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Thursday that Beijing is closely monitoring the developing situation and expressed deep concern over the conflict’s escalation. According to Lin, the use of military force will only worsen existing conditions. He stressed that continuing military operations will not resolve the root issues underlying the conflict. “The sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of countries in the region must be respected and protected,” Lin said. China also called on all involved parties to immediately cease military actions, return to the negotiating table, and utilise the various mediation efforts undertaken by relevant nations. Beijing hopes a ceasefire can be swiftly achieved to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Lin explained that since the conflict broke out, China has maintained communication with various relevant parties, including Iran. In addition, Beijing has actively promoted a process of dialogue and peace talks as a way out of the ongoing tensions. In the past fortnight, relations between the United States and Iran have intensified. The two countries are reported to have launched periodic attacks against each other amid growing security instability in the region. Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated it had launched an attack on 18 major US military targets in the Gulf region, a move described as a response to a previous missile strike by Washington. The US strikes reportedly targeted several locations, including recreational areas, industrial zones, and areas around Karaj and Nazarabad west of Tehran. Additionally, an IRGC base in Pishva County was among the targets. Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated his country is on the verge of a great victory in the conflict against the United States amid ongoing negotiations. Mohsen Rezaei, military advisor to Mojtaba Khamenei, asserted that Iran will not stop fighting before the US provides international guarantees and lifts sanctions. Crude oil prices rose by up to 3 per cent in early trading on Friday following fresh clashes in the conflict. Tensions in the Middle East increased after the US military attacked Iran in response to the downing of an Apache helicopter, causing global oil prices to surge. This situation has reinforced concerns about renewed warfare as a ceasefire deadline approaches next Wednesday.