China pushes diplomacy to end Iran war
China has started talks with Washington and Tehran. It wants to reduce the war’s impact and keep sea routes open for energy transport. Mr. Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, recently held separate calls and meetings with Mr. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, and Mr. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister.
China has urged both sides to show restraint. It also called for the Strait of Hormuz to stay open. Beijing has asked Iran to help control attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Diplomatic efforts continue, but clear disagreements remain at the international level. The United States brought a proposal to the UN Security Council to increase monitoring of Iran. Both Russia and China vetoed the proposal, and it did not pass.
China talks about peace, but Israel shows no sign of stopping the war. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, said some work still remains against Iran and its regional allies. He said Israel will finish that work.
Commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf and nearby waters has dropped sharply due to the attacks and tension. The number of ships passing daily through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has fallen to worrying levels. This raises fears of a major global energy supply crisis.
Next week, Mr. Trump will meet with leaders of Persian Gulf countries. The outcome of that meeting, along with China’s diplomatic efforts, will decide the region’s future. It will show whether the dark clouds of war lift from the Middle East or whether a bigger conflict begins.
