China has called on Iran and the United States to exercise restraint and return to negotiations, as tensions in the Middle East continue to raise concerns over a wider regional escalation.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the country’s top diplomat, made the appeal during talks in Beijing with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday. Wang urged both Washington and Tehran to remain rational, avoid further escalation and work toward resolving their differences through diplomacy.

Beijing Calls for Return to Islamabad Understanding

Wang encouraged Iran and the United States to return to the Islamabad memorandum, which Beijing sees as a framework for renewed dialogue and efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

China has repeatedly advocated negotiations rather than military confrontation in addressing disputes involving Iran. Beijing has also maintained communication with parties involved in the conflict and has previously called for a return to stability through diplomacy.

Iranian Diplomatic Outreach to China

Araghchi’s visit to Beijing comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed international efforts to find a diplomatic path forward.

His discussions with Wang are also taking place ahead of an expected meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, giving the China-Iran talks added diplomatic significance. Reuters reported that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is also expected to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, with Iran and China’s financial ties to Tehran among the issues under discussion.

Wider Regional and Economic Concerns

The continuing confrontation has implications beyond Iran and the United States, particularly for regional security, energy markets and international trade.

China, a major energy importer and an important trading partner of Iran, has a direct economic interest in preventing further disruption. Beijing has previously argued that sanctions and pressure campaigns are insufficient to resolve the underlying disputes and has urged all sides to pursue dialogue.

Wang’s latest appeal therefore places renewed emphasis on diplomacy at a time when international efforts are focused on preventing further escalation and creating conditions for negotiations.

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