Pushing forward Middle East diplomacy

Since Iran and the United States reached a ceasefire on April 8, diplomatic efforts have focused on easing tensions in the Middle East. In recent phone calls with Egyptian, Turkish, Qatari, and Omani leaders, the Iranian president said Iran is ready to work toward an "honorable framework" to end the conflict with the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China is willing to play a constructive role in achieving a political and diplomatic settlement. The developments raise questions about how the evolving situation in the Middle East could affect geopolitics and the global economy.