China urges dialogue and diplomacy 'only viable way out' as Washington-Tehran tensions deepen

Beijing (Web Desk/Agencies): China on Friday urged Washington and Tehran to return to diplomacy, saying that negotiations remain the only workable option for easing tensions between the two countries.

Beijing also reiterated its opposition to the latest US sanctions targeting Iran. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks during a press briefing in Beijing, stressing that diplomatic engagement should remain at the centre of efforts to resolve the dispute.

"On Iran, "dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way out," Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.

"China opposes illegal, unilateral sanctions (and) our position is consistent and clear," he stressed.

Lin’s comments came after US President Donald Trump raised the possibility of imposing sanctions on Chinese banks accused of maintaining financial links with Iran.

During a question-and-answer session in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump was asked whether his administration was considering penalties against Chinese banks connected to Tehran. He indicated that such action had not been ruled out.

"Who said I'm not?... You don't know if I'm doing it. Well, I don't have to announce everything, do I?" Trump said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also said that efforts to hold direct talks with Tehran have remained at a standstill.

According to Leavitt, Washington is intensifying financial and economic pressure on Iran through its "Operation Economic Outcast" campaign, while Trump continues to leave "all options on the table."

The US drive to restrict Iran’s access to international financial networks comes after the US-Iran war, which started on February 28.

The conflict claimed hundreds of lives in Iran, while 18 US servicemen were also killed.

The latest developments come at a time when relations between Washington and Beijing are also being closely watched, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to make a reciprocal visit to the United States following Trump’s trip to Beijing in May.