A ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran appears close to finalization, with Iran reportedly seeking to transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to China for safekeeping. China’s Foreign Ministry, however, declined to directly address the request, saying only that Beijing remains willing to play a “constructive role” in reaching a political and diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, who has been mediating between Washington and Tehran, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on May 25. Munir briefed Wang on the latest developments, stating that “an agreement is close to being reached,” and expressed hope that China would take a more active role. Wang praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts, calling Islamabad a trusted and capable intermediary, and offered the hopeful remark that “peace, though difficult, will ultimately come.”
Al Arabiya reported late on May 25, citing informed sources, that Iran is seeking Chinese guarantees before finalizing any deal to end the war, and has specifically requested that its highly enriched uranium be transferred to China. The sources also indicated that Munir was likely to travel to Doha, Qatar, to continue mediation efforts.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, speaking at a routine press briefing on May 26, said China has maintained close communication with all relevant parties, including Iran, since the outbreak of hostilities, and has been actively working toward a ceasefire and peace.
Mao did not respond directly to whether China would accept Iran’s enriched uranium. She reiterated China’s consistent position of supporting peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiation.
The U.S.-Iran ceasefire reached in early April is set to be extended by 60 days, during which both sides are expected to hold negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump, however, posted on May 25 that Iran’s enriched uranium must be handed over to the United States for destruction — or destroyed on-site or at another acceptable location.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), May 26, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202605260231.aspx