China and Pakistan call for immediate ceasefire in Iran war — peace talks, Hormuz restoration

China and Pakistan jointly called for an 'immediate ceasefire' and the start of peace talks to resolve the war in Iran, following high-level bilateral talks between the two countries in Beijing, CNN reported Tuesday. The joint initiative proposed: 1. An immediate ceasefire between all parties. 2. A start to peace talks. 3. An end to attacks on nonmilitary targets. 4. The restoration of normal shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative was described as 'light on details.' It represents a significant diplomatic development: China (a UN Security Council P5 member with deep economic ties to Iran) and Pakistan (a key US ally and nuclear power) jointly calling for a ceasefire. Pakistan has been confirmed as an intermediary channel between Iran and the US — Iran's FM Baghaei said on March 30 that Iran had 'received proposals for talks with the United States through intermediaries, including Pakistan.' China has separately maintained COSCO ship transits through Hormuz under a bilateral Iran-China arrangement. The joint China-Pakistan ceasefire call comes as Hegseth declared 'the upcoming days decisive' and B-52s flew over Iran for the first time — suggesting the diplomatic track and the military track are moving simultaneously on Day 32.