Chinese Foreign Minister Contacts Araghchi: Commitment to Comprehensive End to War

BEIJING – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi by telephone on Tuesday (24/3/2026) to achieve a comprehensive cessation of war. They agreed to halt the fighting. “Foreign Minister Araghchi conveyed that Iran is committed to achieving a comprehensive end to the war, not merely a temporary ceasefire,” stated the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Araghchi also explained the latest developments in the regional situation and expressed gratitude to China for the emergency humanitarian assistance provided. “He stated that the Iranian people are increasingly united in facing external aggression and in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and independence,” the statement added. Araghchi further affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all parties. He noted that ships can pass safely, but this does not apply to countries involved in the conflict. “I hope that the steps taken by all parties can help ease the situation rather than exacerbate the conflict. I also hope that China can continue to play an active role in promoting peace and stopping the war,” Araghchi said in the statement. Meanwhile, Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s principled position that all tensions must be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not the use of military force. “Negotiating is always better than continuing to fight. This aligns with the interests of the Iranian state and people and reflects the general expectations of the international community,” Wang Yi stated. He hoped that all parties could seize every opportunity and momentum for peace and initiate the negotiation process. “China will continue to adhere to an objective and impartial position, oppose violations of other countries’ sovereignty, actively promote peace and cessation of conflict, and commit to maintaining peace and stability in the region,” Wang Yi said. On Monday (23/3/2026), US President Donald John Trump announced that he had ordered a five-day delay for all attacks on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure. Trump cited this as a result of “very good and productive” talks with Tehran over the past two days.