China condemns U.S. blockade of Strait of Hormuz as ‘dangerous’ and irresponsible
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz will heighten tensions, weaken an already fragile ceasefire and threaten maritime safety. Guo called the move “dangerous and irresponsible” and said Beijing believes only a comprehensive ceasefire can create the conditions to ease pressure in the strait. China urged all parties to honor the ceasefire agreement, pursue dialogue and concrete steps to de-escalate and restore normal navigation as soon as possible.
Xi warns against return to ‘law of the jungle,’ promotes Chinese peace initiative
During diplomatic meetings in Beijing with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President Xi Jinping criticized global instability and warned against a slide into a “law of the jungle.” Without naming the United States or any leader, Xi said the current world faces a contest between justice and raw power, and that how a country treats international law and order reflects its values and responsibilities. He positioned China as a steady partner and outlined a four-point framework to promote Middle East peace—peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to international rule of law, and coordination of development and security—echoing his 2022 Global Security Initiative.
U.S. proposes 20-year minimum pause on Iranian enrichment in negotiations
A source familiar with negotiations told ABC News the United States has proposed a minimum 20-year suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment rather than a permanent halt, along with various other restrictions. The New York Times reported the U.S. request for a 20-year suspension and said Iran responded by offering up to five years; the president reportedly rejected that Iranian offer. The White House did not immediately comment on the proposals or responses.
Rubio to join Israel-Lebanon diplomatic talks in Washington
The State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take part in meetings between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington intended to frame continued dialogue on securing Israel’s northern border and supporting Lebanon’s efforts to restore full sovereignty. A department official emphasized that Israel is at war with Hezbollah, not with Lebanon as a state, and said there is no reason the two neighbors should not be talking.