Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday,emphasizing that Iran will accept a peace agreement only if it is “fair and comprehensive.” The discussions come as tensions persist over the Strait of Hormuz and regional hostilities.
Araghchi’s statement comes after US President Donald Trump’s pause of “Project Freedom”, a naval mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump cited “great progress” in negotiations with Iran as the reason for the temporary halt, without providing further details.
“We will only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement,” Araghchi said, according to ISNA. He also praised China for its stance, particularly in condemning the actions of the United States and Israel, describing China as a “close friend of Iran.”
Araghchi added that under the current circumstances, cooperation between the two countries will only grow stronger.
“The war launched against us is a blatant act of aggression and a clear violation of international law. We will do our utmost to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations,” he said.
The one-on-one meeting between Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi carries heightened significance as it comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to China on May 15. Araghchi’s stop in Beijing is the latest leg of his diplomatic tour aimed at garnering support for Iran and seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict with the United States.
China has played a key but largely indirect role in the crisis. As Iran’s largest oil importer, it has provided a crucial financial lifeline to Tehran while simultaneously working behind the scenes to mediate the conflict.
Trump has even suggested that Beijing helped bring Iran to the negotiating table, highlighting China’s strategic leverage in the region.
Trump’s “Project Freedom”, announced on Sunday, had failed to bring about any significant resumption of traffic through the waterway, while provoking a new wave of Iranian strikes on ships in the strait and on targets in neighbouring countries.
In the latest incident, a French shipping company reported on Wednesday that one of its container ships had been struck in the strait the previous day, and that injured crew had been evacuated.
Trump wrote on social media, “We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored the urgency of establishing a complete ceasefire in the region. “We are ready to continue our efforts to reduce tensions. Establishing a complete ceasefire is necessary and inevitable,” he said, adding that direct meetings between the parties are essential, as the region is experiencing a crucial turning point.
The talks in Beijing are part of what Araghchi described on Telegram as Tehran’s “ongoing diplomatic consultations” with global partners to discuss the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the leaders discussed the escalating crisis in West Asia and the broader geopolitical climate.
Beyond strategic alignment with major powers, Araghchi’s diplomatic efforts have focused on regional security issues, including maritime stability. In Muscat, he held discussions on the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that as coastal states, Iran and Oman must consult to ensure safe passage through this vital waterway.
In his remarks following the Beijing meeting, Araghchi highlighted the strengthening cooperation between Iran and China, noting that their relationship will continue to build on the 25-year strategic partnership agreement signed in 2021.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly increasing pressure on Beijing to leverage its influence with Iran to bring about a resolution, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi’s visit may be aimed at clarifying whether China would continue supporting Iran diplomatically, including at the United Nations, if Iran agrees to open the strait.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated that Beijing views a complete cessation of hostilities between Iran and the US as “of utmost urgency” and expressed hope that both sides will respond soon to international calls for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry affirmed China’s role as a reliable strategic partner of Tehran.
