Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Wang encouraged Iran and the United States to stay rational, exercise restraint, and return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at an early date. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is willing to play a constructive role in resolving international disputes.
Wang noted that China and Iran are comprehensive strategic partners, and China is ready to work with Iran to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, safeguarding Iran's legitimate rights and interests. He said the continued prolongation of the US-Iran conflict is not in the common interest of the parties concerned and the international community. China supports Iran in engaging in dialogue with Gulf states, respecting each other's territorial sovereignty and national security.
Wang urged all parties to take effective measures to open the Strait of Hormuz at an early date, ensuring the smooth and safe operation of international shipping routes. This would maintain the stability of international energy transport and global industrial and supply chains. He expressed concern that regional tensions could spill over into Yemen and the Red Sea, calling on all parties to refrain from further complicating the situation.
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, stated that Iran does not wish for the conflict to drag on and hopes to return to diplomatic channels while resolutely safeguarding its own rights and interests. Iran holds that the US-Iran MoU remains valid and has reached an agreement with Oman on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi added that the US should earnestly honor all its commitments.
Araghchi welcomed and supported Chinese President Xi Jinping's four-point proposal on building a new security architecture in the Middle East. He expressed readiness to work with China to strengthen cooperation and looks forward to China playing a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability. Iran attaches great importance to its relations with China and stands ready to continue mutual support.
The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional hotspot issues of common concern. Wang Yi pointed out that current developments have once again proven that the existing security architecture in the Middle East is inadequate, calling for reform and reinforcement. China, as a responsible major country, will contribute to peace and stability, promote peace talks, and uphold fairness and justice.
Wang emphasized that China's policy toward Iran maintains continuity and consistency, upholding justice, opposing the use of force, and safeguarding the norms governing international relations within the UN Security Council and other multilateral platforms. China stands ready to step up communication and coordination with Iran to deliver new progress in China-Iran relations.
Key points
- China encourages Iran and US to return to Islamabad MoU
- Iran and China to strengthen cooperation on regional peace and stability
- Existing security architecture in Middle East is inadequate
