Xi Urges Trump and Iran to Return to Islamabad Memorandum

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the United States and Iran on Thursday to return to dialogue and negotiation, calling on both countries to resume implementation of a June memorandum of understanding to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ultimately reach a comprehensive agreement on the nuclear issue and other matters. During his talks with President Donald Trump at the White House, Xi said China respects the sovereignty and security of all nations and has played a constructive role in easing tensions, according to China's official Xinhua News Agency. He encouraged the parties to commit to peaceful solutions and maintain momentum in talks, expressing hope for a final comprehensive accord covering the nuclear file and other issues. The June memorandum, comprising 14 clauses, aimed to halt military operations and begin 60 days of negotiations, including mutual commitments on ceasing hostilities, lifting the U.S. naval blockade, and ensuring commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Tuesday that negotiations continue and the U.S. will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons, while sources said talks in New York are exploring a phased exit involving reopening the strait in exchange for lifting sanctions, though neither side wants to concede first.