The United States and China have engaged in “high-level talks” about the ceasefire between US and Iran, according to the White House.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Karoline Leavitt confirmed that senior officials from both governments had been in contact.
US President Donald Trump, she added, has “a lot of respect” for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump is also planning an official visit to Beijing, currently scheduled for May 14–15.
Leavitt noted that Trump will continue discussions with Israel regarding the broader regional conflict, including the situation in Lebanon, which has recently experienced heavy Israeli bombardments. She emphasized, however, that Israel is not covered by the current ceasefire agreement.
Read more about this topic: Iran War: Trump announces two-week ceasefire (with videos)
On Tuesday night, Trump agreed to pause U.S. airstrikes and attacks on Iran for two weeks under a “bilateral ceasefire,” after receiving what he described as a “viable” peace proposal from Tehran.
Meanwhile, a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is set to take part in peace talks in Pakistan. According to the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, negotiations aimed at reaching a broader agreement are expected to begin on April 10.
As part of the truce, Iranian authorities had agreed to allow the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, following more than a month of partial blockade that drove up global oil and gas prices.
However, Iranian media later reported that Tehran has once again suspended tanker traffic through the strait, following a large-scale Israeli airstrike in Lebanon that caused dozens of casualties in Beirut.
