China Urges Pakistan to Step Up Iran-US Mediation

Pakistan has been asked by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to ramp up its mediation between Iran and the United States, specifically to help resolve the issue of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The call came during a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, on Wednesday.

According to China's official Xinhua news agency, Wang Yi urged Pakistan to "intensify mediation efforts and contribute to properly handling issues related to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz." He added that "China will continue to support Pakistan's mediation efforts and will make its own contribution in this regard."

Diplomatic Stalemate

The diplomatic process brokered by Pakistan to resolve the crisis has reached a dead end. On Tuesday, the Iranian government rejected the idea of modifying its proposals, which US President Donald Trump had described as "completely unacceptable."

A statement from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said both sides "affirmed the importance of maintaining a permanent ceasefire and ensuring the continuation of normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz."

US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in China, Iran's main strategic and economic partner, later on Wednesday evening.

Separately, Pakistan has denied reports of any Iranian military aircraft being present on its territory.