China Urges Iran Conflict Parties To 'Meet Halfway' To Preserve Ceasefire

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the parties to the Iran conflict to remain committed to a ceasefire and to 'meet each other halfway' after chairing a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York.

UN Security Council Call For Restraint

Speaking to reporters following the meeting of the 15-member council, Wang emphasized the need for sustained diplomacy to prevent further escalation and civilian suffering.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, U.S., May 26, 2026. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Iran accused the United States of violating the ceasefire after Washington said it carried out defensive strikes in southern Iran. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said negotiating a deal to halt the fighting could "take a few days."

"We hope that the parties concerned can stay committed to pursuing a ceasefire and continue to meet each other halfway, so that peace can return to the Middle East as early as possible," Wang said.

"As we have been saying, it takes more than one cold day to freeze three feet of ice, and long-standing issues cannot be resolved overnight," he added.

Wang noted that while deep-rooted issues take time to resolve, every step forward in negotiations increases the prospects for peace and reduces civilian casualties. His remarks underscore Beijing's call for continued dialogue and restraint amid ongoing tensions.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Simon Lewis; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Michelle Nichols)