Washington has asked Beijing to use its influence over Tehran to help bring the war with Iran to an end. The diplomatic initiative came from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and received the backing of President Donald Trump, according to Washington Post columnist David Ignatius.

Citing an American official, Ignatius reported that the Chinese leadership has already conveyed the US message to Iran.

The effort to involve Beijing in resolving the conflict follows earlier discussions between the American and Chinese leaders.

According to Ignatius, Trump personally asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for assistance during talks in Washington in September. During their private conversation, Xi agreed with Trump’s position that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

The issue is expected to return to the agenda when the two sides meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled for November 18 in Shenzhen, China.

US Vice President JD Vance has also emerged as an important figure in Washington’s diplomatic contacts with Tehran.

In October, Vance sent Mohsen Rezaei a letter intended to encourage reconciliation. Iranian officials reportedly welcomed the gesture, along with the vice president’s statements describing the war as a mistake.

However, Washington’s diplomatic outreach has been accompanied by continued military pressure on Iran.

While the Trump administration is seeking China’s help in negotiating an end to the conflict, the US president has maintained his warnings that Iran could face further strikes.

At the same time, the Pentagon is preparing for a possible escalation, leaving Washington’s diplomatic efforts unfolding alongside the threat of renewed military action.