Pakistan and Iran aim to dial down tensions as China offers mediation

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan and Iran have signaled that they would prefer to de-escalate tensions after trading strikes on purported militant camps in each other's territory, though experts warn the stage is set for a proxy conflict that could haunt residents in border regions.

China, meanwhile, has made it clear that it is watching closely and wants to avoid hostilities that could threaten its Belt and Road interests in the region, offering to play a "constructive role" in managing the tensions.