China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Iran and the United States to exercise restraint and renew diplomatic efforts to revive the interim agreement reached in June, urging both sides to engage in substantive consultations aimed at de-escalation. Wang made the remarks in Beijing during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was visiting China for a one-day diplomatic engagement.

Wang emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz promptly to maintain the stability of international energy transport and supply chains. He highlighted concerns that ongoing regional tensions could spread further into Yemen and the Red Sea, potentially destabilizing broader maritime routes critical for global trade.

Addressing the necessity to rebuild negotiation mechanisms, Wang stressed that both Tehran and Washington should base future talks on the consensus achieved to date. He also underscored China’s position that the existing security framework in the Middle East is insufficient and requires reform and strengthening to effectively address the region’s challenges.

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to vigorously defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity against what Tehran considers acts of aggression. At the same time, he expressed support for diplomatic solutions that protect the rights of the Iranian nation, according to Iranian state media reports.

The discussions in Beijing took place a week before a highly anticipated meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled in Washington. Ahead of that summit, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Iran and China’s financial ties would be prominent topics of discussion, as Washington continues efforts to exclude Tehran from Western financial systems.

China, as Iran’s largest oil purchaser, has consistently called for the restoration of safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Beijing has largely avoided direct confrontation with Iran regarding its recent threats to shipping in the area.

Wang reiterated China’s commitment to promoting peace, fairness, and justice across the Middle East, asserting that Beijing’s policy toward Iran has remained stable and consistent amid the evolving regional dynamics.