Beijing, China – Web Desk: Signs of diplomatic progress have emerged amid continuing tensions between the United States and Iran, as global powers push to avoid further escalation in the Middle East crisis.
Following the conclusion of U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China, both Washington and Beijing signaled support for maintaining stability in the Gulf region, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy and trade route.
President Trump once again praised Pakistan’s leadership, claiming that diplomatic efforts and mediation helped prevent a “decisive” military strike against Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also acknowledged that Pakistan’s mediation efforts had not failed, although serious challenges remain due to what he described as Washington’s pressure-driven approach.
Speaking after the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in India, Araghchi said Iran would only return to negotiations if the United States demonstrated seriousness and mutual respect. He accused Washington of attempting to gain at the negotiating table what it could not achieve during the recent conflict.
The Iranian foreign minister stressed that Tehran supports diplomacy and negotiations but rejects threats, sanctions, and military pressure. He also said Iran was committed to maintaining the ceasefire and preventing further escalation in the region.
Araghchi defended Iran’s position regarding the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was not responsible for disruptions in the strategic waterway. He argued that tensions created by regional rivals had fueled the crisis.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors, with China heavily dependent on the route for trade and oil shipments. President Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that the strait should remain open, noting that nearly 40% of China’s trade passes through the route.
Trump also indicated flexibility regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, saying a suspension of uranium enrichment activities for 20 years could be considered acceptable. Analysts say the remarks suggest possible room for renewed diplomatic negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the Middle East, warning that continued conflict could damage global trade, energy supplies, and international supply chains.
The ministry said diplomacy remains the only viable path forward and warned that the use of force would lead to a “dead end.”
However, divisions emerged within the BRICS alliance during a two-day foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. The bloc failed to issue a joint declaration after disagreements reportedly surfaced between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over language concerning the Middle East crisis and the role of the United States and Israel.
India, which currently chairs BRICS, instead released a chairman’s statement acknowledging differing views among member states regarding the regional conflict.
The developments highlight both the growing geopolitical importance of the Middle East crisis and the challenges facing emerging economies in maintaining unity on major international issues.
