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.
“Iran, just as it has demonstrated strength in defending itself and remains fully prepared to confront any aggression, is also serious and steadfast in the field of diplomacy,” Araghchi said, according to the Iranian Students’ News Agency.
“We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations. We only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement,” he added.
我在北京同中国外长王毅进行了富有建设性的会谈。双方重申伊朗有权维护国家主权和民族尊严，伊方赞赏中方提出的关于维护和促进地区和平稳定的四点主张。伊方信任中方，期待中方为促和止战继续发挥积极作用，并支持建立能够统筹发展与安全的战后地区新架构。 pic.twitter.com/esQRcapEGx
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 6, 2026
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said after the meeting that “the current regional situation is at a critical juncture of transition from war to peace.”
“China considers that a complete cessation of fighting must be achieved without delay, that it is even more unacceptable to restart hostilities, and that continuing to negotiate remains essential,” the ministry said.
Beijing also called on all parties to restore “normal and safe passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
FM @araghchi held talks with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/vmijeEi7PX
— IRAN in CHINA (@IraninChina) May 6, 2026
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.
