China welcomes first-phase US-Iran MoU as step toward Middle East peace

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Thursday praised the signing of a first-phase Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, saying it carries positive significance for easing regional tensions and consolidating ceasefire momentum. According to reports, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump digitally signed the agreement on ending the Middle East war on June 18, 2026.

Lin stated that China welcomes the signing and hopes that all relevant parties, including the United States and Iran, will uphold the spirit of the contract and implement it in good faith. The Chinese spokesperson emphasized that force cannot solve problems and that negotiation on an equal footing represents the correct approach to resolving disputes.

Looking toward the next phase of talks, Lin expressed hope that both countries will approach second-stage negotiations with rational and pragmatic attitudes, work in the same direction, and strive for positive outcomes. He highlighted China's commitment to playing an active and constructive role in bringing about lasting peace and security in the Middle East and Gulf region, noting that Beijing has been working tirelessly since the outbreak of the conflict to facilitate an end to fighting.