Beijing, 9 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) – Chinese state media urged the United States and Iran to use the "narrow window" of a two-week ceasefire to pursue peace talks, warning that the pause could quickly give way to renewed conflict.

The truce is "not peace, but it is an opportunity," the state-run China Daily said on Wednesday, cautioning that both sides may be tempted to use the break to regroup militarily. Missteps could trigger a longer and more damaging crisis, it added.

The Communist Party-backed Global Times said on Thursday that US forces remained ready to resume fighting, while Iranian troops still had their hands "on the trigger." If negotiations are used merely to buy time, the conflict could escalate again at any moment, it said.

Chinese media also highlighted Beijing's diplomatic efforts, saying China had engaged in intensive diplomacy since the conflict began and would continue to play a constructive role.

Photo: MIA archive