China, not Pakistan, the real player behind US-Iran ceasefire?
Why it matters: The ceasefire prevents an immediate escalation of conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing global oil prices.
- China emerged as the 'real player' behind the US-Iran ceasefire, despite initial US credit given to Pakistan, according to the article.
- US President Donald Trump issued an 'apocalyptic threat' to Iran, warning of civilization's demise without a ceasefire, but later 'hesitatingly' acknowledged China's involvement to AFP.
- Iran initially cut all diplomatic channels with the US but agreed to a truce and reopened the Strait of Hormuz just 10 hours after Trump's threat, following China's intervention.
- China and Russia blocked a UN Security Council resolution that would have authorized force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which China deemed biased against Iran, hours before the ceasefire.
- China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held 26 phone calls with key regional players, and its special envoy engaged in shuttle diplomacy, though China has not officially commented on its direct role in the ceasefire.
While the US initially credited Pakistan for mediating a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, new reports suggest China's discreet diplomacy and a last-minute intervention were the real catalysts, preventing an escalation after President Trump's apocalyptic warning. China, a key Iranian ally, reportedly leveraged its direct influence after being approached by Pakistan, culminating in Iran agreeing to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz.
