China welcomes US-Iran deal to end their war

China on Monday said it welcomes the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States ending their months-long conflict. "China hopes that the United States and Iran will sign the first-phase MoU on schedule, and that all relevant parties will remain committed to peaceful solutions and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation," Foreign Ministry Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing. The Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen after Tehran and Washington sign a formal peace deal scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. China "hopes that safe and free passage through the strait will be restored as soon as possible", Lin said. He also said Beijing commended Pakistan for its mediation efforts. Lin added that China is ready to work with the international community to continue playing an active role in restoring peace in the region. (Xinhua and agencies) Edited by Tony Sabine