China Backs Pakistan's Bid to Host US-Iran Peace Talks as Tehran Rejects Draft Plan

China is throwing its diplomatic weight behind Pakistan's offer to mediate peace talks between the United States and Iran, a move that sharpens the geopolitical stakes as Tehran reportedly rejects an initial proposal. The Chinese Foreign Ministry explicitly endorsed the effort, with spokesman Lin Jian stating that 'ceasefire and peace talks are more important tasks at hand.' This public support comes directly after China condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran, framing the conflict as one that 'should have never started.' Beijing's pivot to backing a third-party mediation led by a regional ally signals a deliberate attempt to position itself as a stabilizing force and a key player in resolving Middle Eastern tensions.

The Pakistani-mediated initiative faces immediate hurdles, with fresh reports indicating that Iran has rejected an initial 15-point draft plan delivered by Islamabad. This rejection underscores the profound challenges in bridging the gap between Washington and Tehran. China's statement, which supports 'all efforts conducive to easing tensions, de-escalating the situation and restoring dialogue,' is a clear diplomatic signal aimed at both parties. Furthermore, Lin Jian linked regional stability to critical economic interests, emphasizing that 'maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and keeping shipping routes safe serves the common interests of the international community'—a direct reference to Iran's control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

This development places Pakistan at the center of a high-stakes diplomatic gambit, backed by China's growing influence. The rejection of the draft plan by Iran increases pressure on Islamabad to refine its approach and raises questions about the viability of the talks in the near term. China's vocal support amplifies the initiative's profile but also ties Beijing's diplomatic credibility to its outcome. The situation highlights the complex interplay of regional mediation, great-power backing, and the entrenched positions of the primary adversaries, with global energy security and trade routes hanging in the balance.