China and Pakistan have pledged joint efforts to de-escalate tensions in Iran during a high-level phone discussion between their foreign ministers on Friday. The dialogue underscores growing regional diplomacy to address instability threatening critical trade routes and civilian safety.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, resumption of peace talks, and protection of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. Wang praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts, stating that while initiating negotiations remains challenging, it is “the only path to prevent further casualties and regional spillover.”
Dar highlighted broad international support for a truce, urging the U.S. and Iran to return to multilateral dialogue. Both sides reaffirmed their alignment on stabilizing the region through UN-led mechanisms and pledged enhanced coordination.
The ministers also addressed Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions, though details were not disclosed. The call reflects Beijing’s deepening role as a diplomatic broker, leveraging its strategic partnership with Islamabad to mitigate conflicts impacting global energy security.
(Cover: Iranian firefighters clear rubble in northern Tehran on March 23, 2026. /VCG)
