THE 5-point peace plan jointly proposed by Pakistan and China and anchored in international law has all the elements to ensure de-escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States/Israel and promote peace and security in the volatile region.
After a brain-storming session in Beijing, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the two countries stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging all parties to prevent the conflict from spreading and to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to war-affected areas.
The initiative, which reflects deep interest and backing of the peace process by China, addresses core concerns of the warring parties, therefore, can become a viable basis for a comprehensive settlement. As the war has become a classic example of the law of jungle, Pakistan and China emphasized the primacy of the United Nations Charter, urging the international community to support efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace framework in line with international law. In the backdrop of formidable threats to the security and integrity of several countries, the statement emphasized the importance of safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Iran and Gulf states, while urging all sides to refrain from the use or threat of force during negotiations. This element of the peace plan addresses security concerns of both Iran as well as Gulf countries, which are being hit by Tehran in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks. Effective closure of Strait of Hormuz by Iran has not only serious implications for global trade but the inability of the United States to reopen the strategic water channel or provide security cover for navigating ships is also seen as an issue of prestige for the world’s only superpower.
The very fact that the US President makes almost daily remarks and hurls wildest threats on the issue speaks volumes about sensitivity surrounding the closure of the channel. In this backdrop, Pakistan and China voiced concern over disruptions to global trade, stressing the need to ensure the security of shipping lanes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. They called for the safe passage of commercial vessels and the restoration of normal maritime traffic at the earliest. Highlighting concerns over civilian safety, Pakistan and China underscored the protection of non-military targets, calling on all parties to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and halt attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, desalination plants and peaceful nuclear installations. This is a very critical aspect of the peace plan as attacks on civilian targets and necessities of life are triggering humanitarian crises and destruction of non-military assets has long-term ramifications for people of the region and beyond. The two countries called for the early resumption of peace talks, underlining that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path to resolving disputes. The initiative, in fact, reflects a shared commitment by Islamabad and Beijing to promote de-escalation and stability in a region facing heightened tensions. The visit of Ishaq Dar to China came at a time when reports indicated Iran was seeking guarantees for a ceasefire and Beijing was in a position to play such a role. The mistrust that prevails between Iran and the other side was highlighted by the latest statement of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian who said his country was attacked twice during negotiations, arguing this showed that the United States does not believe in diplomacy. In a somewhat positive development, President Trump said on Tuesday that US military action against Iran is “coming to an end”, as Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said talks on ending the conflict were “gaining strength” and that the upcoming days will be decisive. However, almost daily contradictions and deceptive plans make the atmosphere for talks murkier. The Iranian President categorically stated his country has the will to end the war and it is now for the US to respond through trust-building measures.
