Russia and China Warn U.S. on Iran as Limited Strait Reopening Begins

Diplomatic tensions regarding the U.S.-Iran conflict reached a new peak over the last 24 hours as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a joint call warning the Trump administration against military intervention. The warning follows a series of Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory drone and missile launches by Tehran. Amidst this high-level pressure, Pakistan has emerged as a potential mediator, proposing a 15-point peace plan. In a gesture of selective de-escalation, Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz specifically for Pakistani vessels, a move that provides minor relief to global energy markets after weeks of disruptions. On the military front, the information war has intensified. Iranian state media released unverified footage claiming an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) missile successfully targeted a U.S. F-16 fighter jet. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has formally denied these claims, stating that all aircraft returned safely from routine missions. Despite the denial, the Pentagon has moved additional Marine units and naval assets into the region to ensure "maximum flexibility" as Iranian-backed rocket attacks continue to target Tel Aviv and trigger Israeli air defense systems. While the partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for Pakistani shipping could mitigate short-term oil market volatility, the broader maritime corridor remains largely restricted. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that Washington must avoid further intervention to prevent a wider regional collapse. As of Day 29 of the current escalation, the conflict remains characterized by a mix of naval attrition and high-stakes power balancing between the U.S., its allies, and the Russo-Chinese bloc.