Iran announces ‘new era’ of cooperation with China after Wang Yi talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced what he described as a “new era of cooperation” with China following talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on Wednesday.
Araghchi said the discussions covered the war, efforts to end the conflict, ongoing negotiations, Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme, sanctions, bilateral relations, and the Strait of Hormuz.
“The issue of the Strait of Hormuz was one of our serious topics of discussion,” Araghchi said.
He added that Chinese officials believe Iran’s position has changed since the war.
“Our Chinese friends also believe that Iran after the war is different from Iran before the war,” he said, adding that a new phase of cooperation between Iran and other countries lies ahead.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Beijing supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and national security, while welcoming Tehran’s willingness to pursue a political solution through diplomacy.
The talks came as media reports suggested the United States and Iran could be moving closer to a deal. Araghchi arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for diplomatic consultations ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China on May 14.
Trump on Wednesday threatened to resume bombing Iran at a “much higher level and intensity” if Tehran fails to agree to a deal.
Earlier, he announced a pause in “Project Freedom,” a U.S. operation aimed at escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, to allow time to assess whether an agreement with Iran can be finalised. However, Trump said the U.S. naval blockade would remain in “full force.”
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
