China and Iran Discuss Efforts to Resolve Conflict in the Gulf Region
Beijing (ANTARA) - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday (16/9) to discuss the resolution of conflicts in the Gulf region.
Wang Yi stated that the current situation in the Middle East remains volatile and is having a serious impact on international peace and development. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is prepared to play a constructive role in resolving international disputes, according to a written statement on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website accessed in Beijing.
In recent days, the Houthi minority group from Yemen has reportedly expanded its attacks; as recently as Tuesday (15/9), the Saudi Arabian Civil Defence issued its first air raid warning for the Makkah region, which houses many Islamic holy sites.
A spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognised Yemeni government, Turki Al-Maliki, stated that 13 civilians were injured in Houthi attacks targeting Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif in the southwestern region of the country.
Saudi Arabia and the United States have long viewed the Houthi group as an “instrument” of Iran, accusing Tehran of supplying them with weapons. Iran has denied these allegations.
“The prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran is not in the mutual interest of either party or the international community. China encourages Iran and the US to remain rational and exercise restraint, and to promptly return to the guidelines of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” Wang Yi stated.
Based on the consensus reached so far, Wang Yi said that Iran and the US are expected to rebuild negotiation mechanisms and hold substantive consultations regarding various issues of concern to each side.
“China supports Iran in engaging in dialogue with Gulf nations, respecting territorial sovereignty and national security, and constructively maintaining the shared interests of the region,” he said.
Wang Yi urged all parties to take effective measures to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ensure the security and smooth passage of international shipping lanes, and maintain the stability of international energy transport, production, and supply chains.
“China does not wish to see regional tensions expand further into Yemen and the Red Sea. China calls on all parties to cease actions that could further complicate the situation and to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation,” he emphasised.
Wang Yi also asserted that the current situation proves that the existing security architecture in the Middle East is imperfect and requires reform and strengthening.
“China’s policy towards Iran remains consistent and stable. In the UN Security Council and various multilateral platforms, China consistently upholds justice, opposes the use of force, and maintains international norms. We are also willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Iran to promote new progress in the relations between our two countries,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the latest developments in the Gulf and Middle East regions, as well as the steps Iran is considering.
“Iran does not want the conflict to continue and hopes to return to the path of diplomatic resolution. However, Iran will also remain steadfast in defending its own rights and interests,” said Araghchi.
According to him, the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran, agreed upon in Islamabad in June 2026, remains in effect.
Araghchi added that Iran is also willing to engage in dialogue and consultation with regional nations, build and develop good and friendly neighbourhood relations, and promote the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the region as soon as possible.