By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media360Impact Report
China and Russia have declared their positions as fresh diplomatic efforts begin to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, with Pakistan emerging as a key mediator in the unfolding crisis.
China has welcomed ongoing efforts aimed at de-escalation in the Middle East, calling for a ceasefire and an end to hostilities. Speaking during a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue, describing it as “fair, balanced, and constructive” in helping broker a temporary truce between both countries.
The development comes amid reports that a second round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran may soon take place in Pakistan, raising cautious optimism for a diplomatic breakthrough.
However, Russia has taken a firm stance on Iran’s nuclear position. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Iran has an “inalienable right” to enrich uranium for peaceful, civilian purposes. Speaking after an official visit to China, Lavrov stressed that Moscow would support any agreement that respects this principle, regardless of whether Iran decides to temporarily halt or maintain its enrichment activities during negotiations.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to escalate in other parts of the Middle East. The Israeli military has issued fresh evacuation orders to residents in southern Lebanon, particularly areas south of the Zahrani River, as airstrikes intensify.
According to Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israeli military’s Arabic division, the strikes are part of ongoing operations targeting the region. The United Nations reports that the evacuation directives now affect approximately 14 percent of Lebanon’s territory, including parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs and the Bekaa region.
The displacement crisis is deepening, with more than one million people reportedly forced to flee their homes across over 100 towns and villages.
As diplomatic talks continue, global attention remains fixed on whether negotiations between the US and Iran can prevent further escalation in an already volatile region.
