China backs mediation efforts in Iran-US talks

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on Monday expressed China's support for mediation efforts by Pakistan, Qatar and other parties following the first round of talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland.

"We hope Iran and the US will maintain the momentum of negotiations, continue to meet each other halfway and work toward positive progress in the talks," Guo said at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

His remarks came after mediators Pakistan and Qatar said Tehran and Washington had agreed to set up communication lines to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open and end fighting in Lebanon.

The talks concluded on Monday, with the two sides also agreeing on a roadmap toward a final agreement within 60 days, according to the mediators.