Chinese, Pakistani FMs agree to push for ceasefire in Iran conflict

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday, during which both sides exchanged views on the situation in Iran and voiced support for restarting peace talks.

Dar briefed Wang on the latest developments in Iran and Pakistan's assessment, thanking Beijing for supporting Pakistan's mediation efforts. He said a ceasefire and restoration of peace were widely desired, and urged the international community to encourage the United States and Iran to return to negotiations.

Pakistan and China share the same goals and positions on this issue, Dar added, and Pakistan looks forward to working with China to play an active role in promoting peace and a ceasefire.

Wang said China and Pakistan, as strategic partners, held an objective and consistent position on the conflict. He praised Pakistan's efforts to ease tensions. 

The Chinese foreign minister said launching peace talks is not easy, but only by getting them started can further casualties and losses be avoided. Doing so will also help prevent the conflict from spreading and restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, he added.

China is willing to strengthen coordination with Pakistan to promote peace and stability in the region, Wang added.

Both sides agreed to push for a ceasefire, resume dialogue, ensure the safety of non-military targets and shipping lanes, and support the primary role of the United Nations.

They also exchanged views on border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

(Cover: Iranian firefighters with the help of an excavator clear rubble from a destroyed residential building in northern Tehran on March 23, 2026. /VCG)