Iran Foreign Minister Meets Chinese Counterpart Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Beijing. Amid escalating tensions with the United States over the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held an important meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

This meeting took place on Wednesday, exactly one week before the summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to be held in Beijing on May 14 and 15.

During the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that China is a close friend of Iran and expressed confidence that the mutual cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened in the current situation. According to the Iranian news agency ISNA, regarding the ongoing talks between Iran and the US to end the war, Araghchi said, 'We will do everything possible to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the talks. We will only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement.'

This is the first visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to China since the war began between the US, Israel, and Iran on February 28. This war has caused major disruptions to the region's energy infrastructure and global oil and gas supply.

On the other hand, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Beijing to exert pressure on Iran and lift the blockade imposed on Hormuz. Iran had closed this important waterway, which accounts for one-fifth of the world's total oil and gas supply, immediately after the war began. This has led to a significant increase in the price of fuel and chemical fertilizers worldwide, as well as fears of a global economic recession.

After the ceasefire in April, the US imposed its own naval blockade on Iranian ports with the aim of forcing Iran to comply with its terms. This war has also created bitterness in the relationship between Washington and Beijing. The US has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies for purchasing Iranian oil, while China, in a strong response on Saturday, directed its companies not to comply with US sanctions.

According to Al Jazeera journalist Katrina Yu from Beijing, two main agenda items were discussed in the meeting between Araghchi and Wang – the continuation of the ceasefire and the reopening of the Hormuz waterway. She said, 'China has strongly criticized the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, calling it a dangerous move. However, recently, Beijing has also begun to express dissatisfaction with Iran's decision to close this important waterway.'

It is reported that during this meeting, discussions were also held on what kind of support China can continue to provide to Iran if it keeps the waterway closed. China's support will be necessary to protect Iran from further sanctions in international forums like the United Nations.

Through this visit, the Iranian Foreign Minister has sought clarity on what issues Chinese President Xi will raise regarding Iran during his meeting with Trump, and whether Beijing will make any agreement with Washington that could put Tehran in a difficult position.

In return, China has also sought a commitment from Iran not to take any provocative or dramatic steps before this important summit.