The United States has reportedly turned to China to help bring an end to its war with Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asking Beijing to use its influence with Tehran to facilitate a diplomatic resolution.

According to The Washington Post, which cited a US official familiar with the matter, Bessent made the request with President Donald Trump's backing. China has since conveyed Washington's message to Tehran, opening another diplomatic channel as efforts to end the conflict gather momentum.

The reported outreach highlights Washington's growing reliance on diplomatic channels and Beijing's potential role in efforts to resolve the conflict. It also comes as the US administration faces mounting pressure to find a way out of a war with serious regional and global economic consequences.

Vice President JD Vance has been leading a parallel diplomatic initiative over the past two weeks, holding almost daily discussions with Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to reports. The contacts have focused on securing a new ceasefire and reopening negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme.

The diplomatic efforts have gained further significance following the recent US midterm elections, which dealt a major setback to Trump's Republican Party. Reports have linked the administration's renewed push for negotiations to growing domestic pressure over the war.

Meanwhile, Iran has continued to pursue diplomatic efforts through regional mediators while insisting that any settlement must address its demands and concerns.

According to a Reuters report on Sunday, Tehran has submitted a nuclear proposal through Qatar as part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts. Iran is seeking sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and compensation for wartime damage, while Washington wants nuclear issues to be addressed from the outset of negotiations.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he was highly unlikely to order renewed strikes against Iran if negotiations produced a strong agreement. However, tensions remain high, with maritime incidents reported in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The reported Chinese involvement adds another dimension to diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, although neither a breakthrough nor an agreement has been announced. The coming days are likely to test whether Washington is prepared to address Tehran's demands through negotiations rather than renewed military confrontation. (ILKHA)