Bessent Asks China to Help End Iran War With Trump’s Backing: WaPo

Beijing has delivered Washington’s appeal to Tehran, according to a U.S. official cited by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius. President Donald Trump supports the initiative led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the column says.

The request asks China to use its influence with Iran to help bring the war to an end. It does not establish that Tehran has accepted negotiations or agreed to any settlement.

A Reported Diplomatic Approach

Ignatius describes the approach in a November 6 opinion column examining the administration’s efforts to resolve the wars in Iran and Ukraine. The Iran initiative is distinct from the Ukraine diplomacy discussed in the same piece.

The account attributes Beijing’s delivery of the message to an unnamed, knowledgeable U.S. official. It does not identify the Chinese official Bessent approached, specify when he made the request or describe an Iranian response to that message.

The reported outreach comes as Washington weighs its next steps in the conflict. Trump recently said he was in no hurry to resume major fighting while talks continued, according to remarks reported by Israel’s Channel 12.

Public Readouts Do Not Confirm Iran Request

Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer spoke with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on November 6. Treasury’s public readout focuses on bilateral economic relations and implementation of trade commitments; it does not mention Iran.

China’s account describes a video call on economic and trade issues, including Beijing’s concerns about U.S. restrictions. It also makes no reference to an appeal concerning Tehran.

Those readouts do not establish whether the reported Iran request formed part of that conversation or a separate exchange. Neither statement confirms that China relayed a message to Iran.

Diplomacy Alongside Economic Pressure

The war involving the U.S., Israel and Iran began in February 2026. Washington has since combined diplomatic contacts with sanctions and a naval blockade.

Bessent launched an expanded campaign to sever Iran’s economic links in August, warning financial institutions and governments against sustaining Tehran’s access to global markets.

Beijing subsequently warned against U.S. measures targeting its trade with Iran, rejecting unilateral sanctions and saying it would defend its interests.

The reported appeal seeks Chinese influence over Tehran; it is not an announced ceasefire or peace agreement. The account provides no terms, timetable or evidence that Iran has agreed to change its position.