China leads diplomatic push with Pakistan to revive US-Iran talks

WASHINGTON, United States — China is coordinating with Pakistan to revive dialogue between the United States and Iran and reduce regional tensions, Arab media reported. Beijing's effort aims to draw Gulf states and other regional powers into the process to support long-term stability, according to the reports. The Chinese contacts also cover mutual confidence-building steps between Washington and Tehran, with Beijing seeking to lay the groundwork for broader negotiations on the nuclear issue, sanctions and regional security. Reuters reported on Friday that China had launched a diplomatic initiative to halt the US-Iran confrontation, working alongside regional and international actors including Pakistan. Beijing has continued calling for military escalation to be contained and for the conflict to be prevented from widening. US President Donald Trump has warned China that any military intervention or support for Tehran would carry severe consequences.