US–IRAN: CHINA, RUSSIA REVEAL STANCE AS SECOND ROUND OF TALKS OPENS IN PAKISTAN

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By; Ganiyat Sunmola

China has welcomed “all efforts conducive to a ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities” in the Middle East, following reports that a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran may take place in Pakistan.

Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, praised Pakistan for its role in facilitating a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran, describing its approach as fair and balanced in mediation.

Meanwhile, Russia has taken a firm position on Iran’s nuclear rights. The country’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, stated that Iran has an “inalienable right” to enrich uranium for peaceful, civilian purposes.

Lavrov made the remarks at a press conference following an official visit to China, as reported by the Russian state-owned news agency Tass. He noted that whether Iran chooses to pause or maintain this right during negotiations with the US, Russia would support any outcome grounded in the principle of universal access to uranium enrichment.

Elsewhere, tensions remain high in the region. The Israeli military has issued fresh evacuation orders to residents living south of the Zahrani River in southern Lebanon.

According to Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israeli military’s Arabic division, airstrikes are ongoing as forces intensify operations in the area.

The United Nations has also raised concerns, revealing that Israel’s warnings and displacement directives now cover about 14% of Lebanon. Affected areas include regions south of the Zahrani River, much of Beirut’s southern suburbs, and parts of the Bekaa Valley.

These developments have impacted more than 100 towns and villages, with over one million people reportedly displaced.