China urges restraint as US military buildup pressures Iran for nuclear deal

2026-02-24 - 10:02

China urged all parties to exercise restraint Tuesday as the United States continues military buildup in the Persian Gulf while pressing Iran to reach a nuclear agreement within a 10-15 day window. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing that "the escalation of the situation serves no one's interests," responding to questions about President Donald Trump's threat of limited strikes if Tehran fails to forge a deal. Diplomatic Countdown Mao's comments come as Iranian and US delegations prepare to reconvene in Geneva on Thursday for Omani-mediated talks, the latest round in a high-stakes diplomatic push. "China is closely following the relevant situation. We urge all sides to remain restrained," she stated. Beijing's intervention reflects growing international concern as the window for negotiation narrows amid unprecedented US military deployments and recent Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps drills. US Signals Military Readiness Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced Washington's dual-track approach Monday, stating during a Colorado visit that "everything is on the table" regarding Iran. While reiterating Trump's preference for a diplomatic solution, Hegseth confirmed the US military maintains contingency plans should Iran refuse to reach an agreement. "It's the president's decision. We're here to help ensure that a deal is made. And I think Iran would be wise to make a good deal," he told reporters, declining to rule out strikes while emphasizing the administration's openness to negotiation. Regional and Global Stakes The convergence of military preparations and diplomatic deadlines has raised alarm across the region and beyond. Thursday's Geneva meeting represents a critical juncture, with both sides offering contrasting assessments of recent indirect talks—Iranian officials describing the atmosphere as "constructive" while US Vice President JD Vance noted Tehran remains unwilling to engage on key American red lines. China's call for restraint, echoed by other international actors, underscores the global stakes as Washington demonstrates readiness for either outcome while maintaining maximum pressure on Tehran to accept terms before Trump's stated deadline expires.