Beijing: China on Friday emphasized that dialogue is the key to resolving the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that China "hopes all parties will resolve differences through dialogue and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable."

According to Anadolu Agency, the statement from Beijing comes as Washington and Tehran are preparing to commence nuclear negotiations in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Friday. The American delegation will include US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, while the Iranian delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

When questioned about whether Tehran engaged in discussions with China and Russia prior to the dialogue with the US, Lin confirmed that Beijing has "maintained communication with other parties" regarding the Iranian nuclear program. He further revealed that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing on Thursday.

In an earlier development, the Iranian state broadcaster announced that the negotiations in Oman had started but subsequently retracted the report, denying that the talks had officially begun. Both sides have yet to confirm the commencement of these discussions.