Iran and China push diplomacy as Hormuz tensions rise ahead of Trump - Xi talks
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday, as tensions in the Gulf and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz continue to dominate regional diplomacy ahead of planned talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping next week, reports a Qazinform News Agency correspondent.
According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Araghchi briefed the Chinese side on ongoing negotiations with Washington and reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy while warning against external pressure.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said after the meeting that “the current regional situation is at a critical juncture of transition from war to peace.”
On Iran’s nuclear program, China stated that it “appreciates Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, while also recognizing Iran’s legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
The meeting came as Washington increased pressure on Beijing to encourage Tehran to reopen the strait and resume negotiations following recent military escalation in the Gulf.
China remains Iran’s largest oil customer, purchasing more than 80% of Iran’s shipped crude exports before the conflict, according to energy analytics firm Kpler.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had said his administration would temporarily pause its initiative aimed at easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress toward a possible agreement with Iran.