Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met China’s top diplomat in Beijing on Wednesday (6 May), underscoring deepening ties between Tehran and Beijing ahead of high-level U.S.-China talks expected to touch on Iran and the Gulf crisis.
The visit, announced by Chinese state media Xinhua, is Araghchi’s first trip to China since the U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran that triggered a major disruption in global oil flows and heightened concerns over energy security for major importers, including China.
During the meeting, Araghchi said China is a “close friend” of Iran and that bilateral cooperation would “be even stronger under current circumstances,” according to Iranian state media ISNA.
He also reiterated that Tehran is seeking a “fair and comprehensive agreement” with the United States.
The diplomatic trip comes as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit scheduled for 14-15 May, with Iran and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz expected to feature in discussions.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged Beijing to play a more active diplomatic role in persuading Iran to reopen the strait to international shipping, calling on China to “join us in this international operation.”
He also pressed China and Russia to stop blocking United Nations initiatives aimed at securing commercial shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a central flashpoint in recent weeks, with U.S. and Iranian forces engaging in renewed attacks and maritime blockades that have raised fears of a wider escalation.
Washington briefly signalled that the U.S. Navy would assist shipping through the strait before pausing the operation amid signs of possible diplomatic progress.
China, which imports more than 80% of Iran’s exported oil, has largely refrained from direct criticism of either side, while instead calling for restraint and the preservation of the ceasefire.
Beijing has also escalated its opposition to U.S. sanctions targeting Chinese refiners purchasing Iranian crude, ordering companies not to comply with measures it considers unlawful and signalling a tougher stance on secondary sanctions enforcement.
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Armenia's ruling Civil Contract party is leading in a parliamentary election with 54.44% of the vote, according to early voting results from Armenia's electoral commission that were broadcast on public TV.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
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Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc on Saturday, one day before voters were due to take part in parliamentary elections.
More than 6,000 people gathered outside a vote-counting centre in Seoul on Friday night, demanding this week’s local elections be repeated after ballot shortages left some voters unable to cast their ballots.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Israel said it struck military targets in western and central Iran on Monday, even after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from further attacks.
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U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “crazy” during a phone exchange over fighting in Lebanon. The call came as the U.S. was attempting to broker an end to hostilities involving Iran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said on Monday they targeted the source of an attack on a telecom facility on Sirik Island near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Tasnim News Agency reported.
Iran really wanted to make a deal with the U.S. and that it would be a good one for Washington and its allies, President Donald Trump said on Monday.
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