China urges US and Iran to revive Islamabad memorandum, resume dialogue

China has called on the United States and Iran to return to the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and resume dialogue, as Beijing continues to press for a diplomatic resolution to tensions in the Middle East and Gulf region.

A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing would continue "working for restoring peace and tranquility in the Middle East and Gulf region at an early date," reiterating the country's stated position of favoring negotiation over confrontation.

The reference to the Islamabad memorandum points to earlier diplomatic engagement involving the parties, though further details on its specific terms were not elaborated in the ministry's latest comments.

China has positioned itself as an advocate for dialogue in a range of Middle East disputes in recent years, often calling for de-escalation between rival parties while emphasizing respect for what it describes as the sovereignty and security concerns of regional states.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have periodically flared over issues including Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions and regional security, with international mediators intermittently urging both sides back to the negotiating table.

Beijing's latest appeal comes amid continued instability across parts of the Middle East and Gulf, where multiple conflicts and diplomatic disputes remain unresolved. It was not immediately clear whether Washington or Tehran had responded to the Chinese appeal.

China, as a major purchaser of Gulf energy exports, has increasingly sought a role as a mediator in the region, following its involvement in brokering the restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023.