Chinese FM backs ceasefire momentum in call with Iranian counterpart

'Current situation has reached critical stage between war and peace, and a window for peace is opening,' says Wang Yi

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, as tensions in the Middle East remain at a critical juncture between war and peace, according to a statement shared by Lin Jian, the spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X.

"The current situation has reached a critical stage between war and peace, and a window for peace is opening," said Wang.

Chinese FM Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

The current situation has reached a critical stage between war and peace, and a window for peace is opening. China supports maintaining the momentum of ceasefire and peace talks. Iran’s… pic.twitter.com/J9BPBmL5cz

— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) April 16, 2026

He emphasised that China supports maintaining the momentum of ceasefire efforts and peace negotiations.

Wang also underscored the importance of respecting Iran’s sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights, particularly given its position along the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. He further stressed that the "freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait must be guaranteed".

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According to the spokesperson’s post, China expressed its readiness to act in line with President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Beijing reiterated its commitment to facilitating de-escalation, improving relations among regional countries, and playing a constructive role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

Ceasefire negotiations continue

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday as part of a multi-country visit, while Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir undertook a surprise trip to Tehran, moves seen as part of a coordinated effort to lay the groundwork for the next phase of talks.

The flurry of engagements underscores Islamabad's growing role as a mediator in one of the most volatile geopolitical crises, as it seeks to convert a fragile ceasefire into a structured peace process.

According to officials familiar with the process, Field Marshal Munir has emerged as a central figure in Pakistan's diplomatic initiative, maintaining backchannel contacts with both Washington and Tehran and helping build a degree of trust between the two adversaries.

Iranian officials signalled the importance of the visit. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, in his weekly briefing, confirmed that multiple messages exchanged between Iran and the United States were being conveyed through Pakistani intermediaries following the Islamabad talks.

"Message exchanges continue," Baghaei said, adding that since the Iranian delegation returned from Islamabad, "multiple messages have been exchanged through the Pakistani intermediary."

In Washington, the White House said on Wednesday that the United States is discussing holding a second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and is optimistic about reaching a deal. "Those discussions are being had," and "we feel good about the prospects of a deal," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, adding that further talks "would very likely" be in Islamabad.