China, Pakistan urge US, Iran to halt fighting, resume talks

China and Pakistan have called on the United States and Iran to immediately end hostilities and return to negotiations, as fighting between the two countries entered its sixth day.

The appeal came during a meeting in Shanghai between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on July 15, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to a statement released by China's Foreign Ministry on Friday (July 17), the two ministers expressed "concern over the deterioration of the current situation" and urged all parties to "immediately cease hostilities, make efforts to overcome difficulties, eliminate interference, restart contacts, resume dialogue, and strive to reach a comprehensive peace agreement through negotiations."

They also said the international community should continue to support efforts aimed at restoring peace.

Praising Pakistan's mediation role, Wang said the first phase of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran was "hard-won."

"The core provisions of the memorandum not only conform to the fundamental and long-term interests of the parties involved but also meet the common expectations of the international community," he said.

"Peace is within reach; we cannot afford to lose it now, let alone let it slip away," Wang warned.

He added: "All parties should fulfill their commitments and abide by the provisions" of the Islamabad MoU.

"China will, as always, support Pakistan's mediation efforts and will continue to play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation in its own way," Wang said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev