China on Monday called on the United States and Iran to sustain ongoing diplomatic momentum, cautioning that once negotiations have begun, the door to dialogue "should not be shut again."

Responding to media reports of a potential imminent deal between Washington and Tehran on the conflict, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized China's longstanding position is that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path, while armed confrontation leads to no solution.

"If the door to dialogue has been opened, it should not be shut again," Mao told a regular press briefing in Beijing.

She urged both sides to stabilize the current trend of easing tensions, adhere to the broader direction of seeking a political settlement, and reach a resolution through consultation that addresses the legitimate concerns of all parties involved.

Mao also called for the swift reopening of shipping lanes in the region, responding to international appeals and safeguarding the stability and unimpeded flow of global industrial and supply chains.

She stressed the urgency of achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire to help restore peace and stability to the Gulf region in the Middle East as soon as possible.

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