US-Iran Negotiations Deadlocked, Time for China to Step In
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - China is increasingly being eyed to play a larger role in defusing the Iran nuclear conflict. This comes amid the impasse in negotiations between Tehran and the United States (US).
A philanthropist and businessman close to the Iranian negotiators, Mohamed Amersi, revealed that Tehran hopes Beijing can become the primary mediator, even taking over Iran’s highly enriched uranium.
“Iran really wants China,” said Amersi, as quoted from Newsweek, Tuesday (28/4/2026). “If China wants to be respected as a rising global power, they must act. They need to convey the truth to Iran, then speak with the US from a position of mutual trust.”
Although a ceasefire has been achieved in the conflict that has rocked the global economy due to disruptions in Middle East oil exports, negotiations between the US and Iran remain deadlocked. Both sides are sticking to their respective demands.
The Trump administration is pressing Iran to halt uranium enrichment, limit its missile programme, and stop support for proxy groups. In response, Iran is demanding compensation for US and Israeli military strikes since the war broke out on 28 February.
Amid this deadlock, China is said to have played a behind-the-scenes role in pushing for the ceasefire. This is seen as boosting Beijing’s diplomatic position in its competition with Washington.
Amersi believes China has the potential to be the key to a solution, including taking over Iran’s highly enriched uranium, a step that could reduce the risk of nuclear weapons development.
Additionally, China could offer a new framework for Iran’s nuclear programme, while linking much-needed investments for Tehran with de-escalation efforts.
Such steps could become a key agenda item in the planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in May.
Founder of the Center for China and Globalization, Henry Huiyao Wang, assesses that China’s chances as a mediator are quite high if both parties wish to de-escalate.
“If the US and Iran both want de-escalation, China can easily become the third party to mediate,” he said.
However, China’s role is not without risks. Academic from Beijing Language and Culture University, Shou Huisheng, believes Beijing will weigh its options carefully to avoid damaging its strategic relations with the US.
“The US remains more important to China. The primary priority is to maintain relations to avoid major conflict,” he explained.
On the other hand, the Iran conflict also impacts China’s energy interests. Although it is Iran’s largest oil buyer, Beijing is assessed to still have alternative supply sources and sufficient energy reserves, plus the acceleration of electric vehicle adoption domestically.
With this dynamic, the Iran issue is expected to be one of the main focuses in the Trump-Xi summit. In addition, the two countries will discuss other issues such as the Ukraine conflict, Taiwan, and trade and technology tensions.