China Emerges as Key Ceasefire Broker; Iran Asks Beijing to Serve as Security Guarantor for Peace Deal

Iranian officials confirmed Khamenei approved the ceasefire after a last-minute nudge from China, with Trump acknowledging Beijing's role in pushing Tehran to negotiate. An Arab diplomat told Middle East Eye that Tehran wants China as guarantor of any peace deal. Beijing is unlikely to accept a guarantor role requiring military commitments. China's FM Wang Yi made 26 phone calls with parties including Iran, Israel, Russia, and Gulf states. China and Pakistan jointly issued a five-point ceasefire initiative.