US-Iran Tensions Ease as Progress Reported in Negotiations

Updated: 1:48 AM PKT — May 21, 2026

Reactions from global powers have emerged, with Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasizing to his Russian counterpart that stopping a potential war is essential. China and Russia also issued a joint statement describing the US global missile defense system as a threat to strategic balance. Separately, Saudi Arabia welcomed the decision to grant more time for negotiations and praised Pakistan’s ongoing mediation efforts.