China and Pakistan presented on Tuesday a new initiative for ending the war in Iran that includes an immediate ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The intrigue: Pakistan's foreign minister told Axios the plan came together during his visit to Beijing on Tuesday. Asked whether he supports the new initiative, President Trump declined to comment on the specifics but told Axios the diplomacy with Iran was going well.
- It's unclear if Trump has given his blessing behind the scenes, but a source with knowledge said China had been helpful in the efforts to reach a deal.
- It's unlikely that the Pakistanis — who have been serving as the key mediator between the U.S. and Iran — would launch such an initiative with China if the U.S. opposed it.
- As Iran's top trade partner and the biggest importer of Iranian oil, China has considerable influence in Tehran and a clear incentive to seek an end to the war.
Driving the news: Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Tuesday in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. At the end of the meeting they published a joint peace initiative:
- Immediate Cessation of Hostilities, with humanitarian assistance allowed to all war-affected areas.
- Start of peace talks as soon as possible under the principle of safeguarding the independence and security of Iran and the Gulf states. All parties will commit to refraining from the use or the threat of use of force during peace talks.
- The parties to the conflict will immediately stop attacks on important infrastructure, including energy, desalination and power facilities, and peaceful nuclear infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants.
- The parties will allow the early and safe passage of civilian and commercial ships, and restore normal passage through the Strait as soon as possible.
- Conclusion of an agreement for establishing a comprehensive peace framework based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
What they are saying: Dar told Axios the proposal was a result of his bilateral meeting with Wang.
- "It's clearly a balanced 5 points initiative we both agreed on, which all would be happy to endorse," he said.
- In a brief phone call with Axios, Trump said "the negotiations with Iran are going well."
- Asked specifically about the Pakistani-Chinese initiative, Trump didn't criticize it but simply reiterated that the diplomacy was going well.
What to watch: China stepping in as a mediator in a war launched by the U.S. would be a remarkable geopolitical twist.
- Trump is planning to visit China in May after his trip was postponed due to the war. He has pursued warmer ties with Beijing after signing a trade truce last year.
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