China calls for end to Iran war and Hormuz to reopen during Araghchi visit
Al Jazeera • • general
Key Points:
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing amid rising tensions with the US over the Strait of Hormuz, ahead of President Trump's summit with President Xi Jinping.
- Araghchi emphasized strengthening Iran-China cooperation and insisted on a fair and comprehensive agreement in US-Iran negotiations, while Wang urged reopening the Strait of Hormuz and continuing peaceful talks.
- Iran seeks China's diplomatic and economic support, aiming to clarify that it will not make concessions detrimental to its interests despite US pressure on Beijing to influence Tehran.
- The US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and suspended a military escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in peace talks, while Iran maintains control over the strategic waterway, impacting global oil supplies.
- Experts suggest Iran hopes China will mediate US-Iran tensions and enhance bilateral ties, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative, as direct US-Iran talks remain stalled over key issues like uranium enrichment and Strait control.
