TEHRAN- China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at restoring stability in the Persian Gulf and the broader West Asia, urging an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy as regional tensions intensify.

In a joint statement released Tuesday, the two countries outlined a framework rooted in international law, humanitarian principles, and respect for national sovereignty. The proposal comes amid escalating military activity involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

At the core of the initiative is a call for an immediate halt to hostilities, alongside urgent measures to prevent further escalation. Both countries stressed the need for unrestricted humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas, warning of the growing toll on civilians.

China and Pakistan also underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of regional states, particularly Iran and Persian Gulf Arab countries. They urged all parties to refrain from the use or threat of force, especially during diplomatic efforts.

The statement reaffirmed that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving disputes, calling for full adherence to international humanitarian law and an end to attacks on civilian infrastructure. Protecting non-combatants, it said, must remain a central priority.

A key element of the plan focuses on safeguarding maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor. The two nations called for the protection of vessels and crews, the safe passage of commercial shipping, and the swift restoration of normal navigation.

The initiative concludes with a call for a comprehensive peace framework based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, aimed at achieving a durable and long-term resolution to the crisis.