Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that his country would not accept an “unfair and comprehensive” agreement with the United States, during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in the Chinese capital, Beijing, just days before an anticipated visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.
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Araghchi added that the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran was “blatant aggression and a clear violation of international law,” describing it as an “illegitimate war.”
He stressed that Tehran would make every possible effort “to protect its legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations.”
The Iranian foreign minister praised China’s stance on the war, saying that “China is a close friend of Iran, and under the current circumstances our cooperation will become even stronger.” He added that Tehran appreciates China’s firm position, particularly its condemnation of the United States and Israel.
For his part, the Chinese foreign minister said that a complete ceasefire is “indispensable,” affirming Beijing’s readiness to continue efforts to ease tensions.
Wang also warned of the seriousness of the regional situation, saying that it is “at a critical turning point,” adding that direct meetings between the two sides are necessary to reach a final resolution to the war.
Araghchi arrived in China early Wednesday for a one-day visit, one week ahead of the scheduled visit of the U.S. president to Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14 and 15.
This week, the United States and Iran launched new attacks in the Arabian Gulf amid their struggle for control of the Strait of Hormuz, where they imposed a mutual naval blockade, threatening the already fragile truce.
Trump later said that the U.S. Navy would help ships pass through the strait, but the operation was temporarily halted after Trump announced yesterday that “major progress” had been made toward reaching a comprehensive agreement with Iran.
The Iranian foreign minister said that Monday’s attacks demonstrated that there is no military solution to the crisis.
While Beijing has generally maintained a neutral position regarding the conflict, it has opposed violations of Iran’s sovereignty and has also facilitated mediation efforts.
China has repeatedly urged the United States and Iran to preserve the ceasefire and lift restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier urged China to pressure the Iranian foreign minister, saying: “I hope the Chinese will tell (Araghchi) what needs to be said to him — that what you have been doing in the straits is causing your isolation on a global level.”
— Agencies
