As tensions continue to surge across theMiddle East, China has stepped forward, signalling its intent to play a role in the de-escalation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday announced that Beijing is preparing to appoint a special envoy for mediation, highlighting China's push for dialogue and restraint amid growing instability. Wang Yi has communicated the same to his Saudi Arabian and UAE counterparts on Wednesday, Reuters reported.Chinaappreciates Saudi Arabia's restraint and insistence on resolving differences through peaceful means, Wang was quoted as saying in a phone call with the Saudi minister by the Chinese ‌Ministry.

In ⁠a separate phone call with the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Wang said the "red line" ⁠of protecting civilians in conflicts must not be crossed, and that non-military targets, ⁠including those involving energy, should not be attacked. He also ⁠called for protecting the safety of shipping routes.

Notably, Iran has opened the Strait of Hormuz, a key sea route for oil tankers and container ships, only for Chinese ships and warned other vessels that any unauthorised crossing will be met with military action, as the US and Israel's war against Tehran entered its sixth day. According to Al Jazeera, Iran has said that only Chinese ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "gesture of thanks" for Beijing's support, adding that all other vessels are banned and any unauthorised crossing will be met with military action.

Iran launched missiles at Israel early Thursday after an American submarine sank an Iranian warship. Israel announced the incoming attack shortly after its military said it had begun new strikes in Lebanon targeting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Beirut's southern suburbs. The fighting continued after the US and Israel intensified their bombardment on Wednesday of Iran's security forces and other symbols of power.

The tempo of the strikes on Iran was so intense that state television announced the mourning ceremony for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the conflict, would be postponed.

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