By Ginika Igboke
China and Pakistan on March 31 jointly called for an immediate cease-fire in the Middle East, unveiling a five-point peace initiative aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting negotiations.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar emphasized that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.
“Dialogue and diplomacy are the only feasible ways to resolve conflicts,” the two officials said in a joint statement. “China and Pakistan support the parties concerned in initiating negotiations, and all sides should commit to resolving disputes through peaceful means.”
A key component of the proposal focuses on ensuring the safety of ships and crews navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments.
There has been no official response from the United States or Israel to the proposal. However, Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported on March 31 that President Donald Trump described ongoing U.S. engagement with Iran as positive.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also announced that Trump would deliver “an important update” on the conflict at 9 p.m. ET on April 1.
Speaking at a White House press conference on March 31, Trump suggested U.S. military operations against Iran could conclude within weeks. “I would say that within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three,” he said.
Focus on Security Guarantees
The China-Pakistan initiative calls for protecting Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence, along with those of Gulf nations. It also emphasizes safeguarding civilians, infrastructure, and peaceful nuclear facilities.
This position could clash with the stance of the United States and Israel, both of which have insisted that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and may oppose allowing Tehran to retain nuclear capabilities under any agreement.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on April 1 that all countries and international organizations are welcome to participate in the peace initiative.
Meanwhile, Trump indicated that securing the Strait of Hormuz may not fall solely on the United States. “That’s not for us. That will be for France. That will be for whoever is using the strait,” he said.
Rising Tensions and Economic Pressure
The ongoing conflict has contributed to a surge in global oil prices. In the United States, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline surpassed $4 on March 31 for the first time since August 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drove energy costs higher.
Trump suggested that prices could drop quickly if U.S. forces withdraw. “All I have to do is leave Iran, and we’ll be doing that very soon, and they’ll come tumbling down,” he said.
In a separate development, Qatar’s Ministry of Defense reported that three Iranian cruise missiles targeted the country on April 1. Two were intercepted, while a third struck an oil tanker operating in Qatar’s exclusive economic waters.
Iran Signals Distrust Despite Ongoing Messages
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there are no formal negotiations underway with the United States, despite ongoing indirect communications.
“We receive messages from the American side. Some are direct, and others come through our friends in the region,” Araghchi said in a March 31 interview with Al Jazeera. “Wherever necessary, we respond to them. Therefore, there is currently no negotiation between us.”
He clarified that exchanges through intermediaries—reportedly including U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff—are continuing but do not constitute formal talks.
Araghchi also expressed deep skepticism about U.S. intentions.
“In the past, we negotiated and reached an agreement, only for the United States to withdraw from it for no reason,” he said. “We do not have any faith that negotiations with the U.S. will yield any results. The trust level is at zero. We don’t see honesty.”
Responding to Trump’s reported deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face further strikes, Araghchi added: “You cannot speak to the people of Iran in the language of threats and deadlines.”
Previously, Witkoff had relayed a 15-point U.S. peace proposal to Iran via Pakistani intermediaries. Iranian state media reported that Tehran rejected the offer and presented its own five-point counterproposal.
Iran’s conditions reportedly include an immediate halt to military action, guarantees against future attacks, compensation for war damages, an end to proxy conflicts in the region, and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Original article
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