Photo courtesy of Anadolu
China on Tuesday called on the United States and Iran to prevent further escalation in the Gulf region as military tensions continued to rise following renewed hostilities.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing was concerned over the return of conflict in the region and urged both sides to exercise restraint and preserve the existing ceasefire.
Lin called on the parties involved to prioritize peace and stability, warning against actions that could widen the fighting and harm civilians.
He also stressed the importance of protecting the rights of countries bordering the Strait of Hormuz and restoring safe and normal passage through the key waterway.
China said the international community wanted the situation in the strait resolved through dialogue, urging all sides to work toward a diplomatic settlement.
The statement came as the United States and Iran exchanged further attacks, including incidents involving vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Tensions had intensified after Washington announced plans to reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports in the strait, while clashes continued despite a previous ceasefire effort brokered through Pakistan and Qatar.
The latest escalation followed the breakdown of a June agreement between the two countries after US President Donald Trump declared on July 8 that the ceasefire had ended amid renewed fighting.