China says dialogue 'only viable way out' of US-Iran war

China's Foreign Ministry on Friday urged Washington and Tehran to pursue dialogue to resolve their ongoing conflict, warning that unilateral sanctions cannot settle the dispute as US President Donald Trump threatened to target Chinese banks maintaining ties with Iran.

Beijing rejects sanctions approach

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that on Iran, "dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way out." He stressed that "China opposes illegal, unilateral sanctions (and) our position is consistent and clear," adding that Beijing maintains a consistent stance against coercive economic measures.

Trump hints at banking sanctions

The Chinese statement followed remarks by Trump, who suggested possible sanctions against Chinese financial institutions with Iran ties. When asked in the Oval Office on Thursday whether such measures were planned, Trump replied: "Who said I'm not?... You don't know if I'm doing it. Well, I don't have to announce everything, do I?" White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that direct negotiations with Tehran remain stalled, noting that Washington is intensifying economic pressure through its "Operation Economic Outcast" initiative while the president keeps "all options on the table."

War casualties and diplomatic calendar

Washington's campaign to isolate Iran from global markets follows the US-Iran war, which began on February 28 and has killed hundreds of people in Iran along with 18 American servicemen. The sanctions threat also coincides with Chinese President Xi Jinping's scheduled reciprocal visit to the United States following Trump's trip to Beijing in May.