UPDATE - China stresses talks pathway to resolve US-Iran tensions

UPDATES WITH NEW DETAILS; CHANGES DECK

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Friday stressed that dialogue was the pathway to resolve tensions between the US and Iran.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China “hopes all parties will resolve differences through dialogue and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable."

Beijing’s statement came as Washington and Tehran are set to begin nuclear negotiations in the Omani capital Muscat on Friday.

US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and US special envoy Steve Witkoff will represent the American side, while Iran is represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

When asked whether Tehran held talks with China and Russia ahead of Iran’s dialogue with the US, Lin said Beijing has "maintained communication with other parties (as well)” on the Iranian nuclear program.

He confirmed that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu held talks with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing on Thursday.

Earlier, the Iranian state broadcaster said the negotiations in Oman had begun but quickly retracted the story, denying that the talks had opened.

The two sides are yet to officially announce the start of the talks.