China and Pakistan announced a joint five-point initiative on Tuesday aimed at ending the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The plan, released after talks between Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, urges an immediate halt to hostilities and the start of peace negotiations.

The five points are:

  1. Immediate cessation of hostilities, with humanitarian access to affected areas.
  2. Swift initiation of peace talks, safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity while committing to no use or threat of force during negotiations.
  3. Halt to attacks on civilians and non-military targets, including energy, desalination, power facilities, and peaceful nuclear infrastructure, in line with international humanitarian law.
  4. Restoration of normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz and protection of shipping lanes.
  5. Promotion of multilateralism under the UN Charter to establish a comprehensive peace framework.

Wang Yi stated that China stands ready to work with Pakistan "to overcome difficulties, eliminate interference, quell the conflict as soon as possible … and open a window for peace talks." Dar described achieving peace as "a just cause and an urgent priority." Iran's ambassador to Pakistan welcomed the diplomatic efforts.

The announcement comes five weeks into the conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched airstrikes across Iran under Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion. The strikes targeted military sites, nuclear facilities, and leadership, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases, Israel, and Gulf allies, while closing the Strait of Hormuz and imposing transit tolls in Chinese yuan.

Casualties number in the thousands, with Iranian reports citing over 2,000 killed and 26,500 injured, alongside losses in Lebanon, Gulf states, and among U.S. and Israeli forces. The Strait closure has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel, disrupted global supply chains, and prompted U.S. military costs exceeding $18 billion.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator, hosting prior talks with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. China has pledged strategic coordination, leveraging platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested the war could conclude in two to three weeks.

The initiative reflects growing calls for de-escalation amid economic fallout and fears of wider regional involvement, including from Yemen's Houthis.