Iran-China Talks Ahead of Key Diplomatic Visit

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on Wednesday. The meeting comes just a week before US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China, where he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping.

Araghchi reportedly said: “Iran appreciates China’s firm stance and especially the condemnation of the United States and Israel… “China is a close friend of Iran and in the current circumstances, our cooperation will be even stronger. Iran will only accept a just and comprehensive agreement.”

Araghchi arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for diplomatic consultations, according to local media. He is expected to discuss bilateral ties with Wang Yi, as well as regional and international developments.

Rising Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz

On Tuesday night, Donald Trump announced a ‘pause’ in so-called ‘Project Freedom’ – to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, he warned that Iran would be ‘blown off the...