Tehran:Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has emphasized the potential role of China in resolving the ongoing "neither war nor peace" situation between Iran and the United States. In his remarks, Qalibaf pointed out China's capacity to influence regional diplomacy and help stabilize tensions.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Qalibaf, who also serves as Iran's special representative for China affairs and leads Tehran's negotiating delegation with the US, expressed that China's diplomatic initiatives and relations with both Iran and Arab countries could provide a pathway towards a new regional order. He noted that the Iranian Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued specific instructions to prioritize the nation's relations with China.

Qalibaf announced plans to set up a high-level steering and oversight body to enhance the coordination and monitoring of Iran's cooperation with Beijing. This body is intended to focus on strategic coordination and accelerate decision-making processes, while not replacing governmental institutions' roles. He further emphasized that the cooperation with China should result in tangible projects under the existing 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement.

The comments from Qalibaf occur amid ongoing efforts to end hostilities that began with US-Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28. The peace process faces hurdles as Tehran and Washington disagree on conditions such as sanctions relief, security guarantees, and arrangements regarding the Strait of Hormuz.