Iraqji Appreciates the Position of the "Close Friend" and Calls for a Fair and Comprehensive Agreement with Washington

SadaNews - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Wednesday that his country will not accept an unjust and comprehensive agreement with the United States, during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing a few days ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's anticipated visit.

Araqchi added that the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran is "a blatant aggression and a grave violation of international law," noting that it is an "illegal war."

He emphasized that Tehran will do its utmost "to protect its legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations."

The Iranian foreign minister praised China's position on the war, saying that "China is a close friend of Iran, and under the current circumstances, our cooperation will be stronger," adding that Tehran appreciates China's firm stance, especially its condemnation of the United States and Israel, in his words.

For his part, the Chinese foreign minister stated that a complete ceasefire is "indispensable," affirming Beijing's readiness to continue efforts to ease tensions.

Wang warned of the seriousness of the situation in the region, saying it is "at a critical turning point," adding that direct meetings between the two sides are essential for reaching a final solution to the war.

Araqchi arrived in China early Wednesday for a one-day visit, a week before the scheduled visit of the U.S. president to Beijing for a summit with President Xi Jinping on May 14 and 15.

The U.S. and Iran have launched new attacks in the Arabian Gulf this week amid their struggle for control over the Strait of Hormuz, where they imposed mutual maritime blockades, threatening an already fragile truce.

Trump later stated that the U.S. Navy would assist ships in passing through the strait, but this operation was temporarily halted after he announced yesterday that "significant progress" had been made toward reaching a comprehensive agreement with Iran.

The Iranian foreign minister noted that the attacks on Monday demonstrated that there is no military solution to the crisis.

While Beijing generally maintains a neutral stance on the conflict, it has opposed targeting Iran's sovereignty and has also facilitated mediation efforts.

China has repeatedly urged the United States and Iran to maintain a ceasefire and lift restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had urged China to pressure the Iranian foreign minister, saying, "I hope the Chinese will tell Araqchi what he needs to hear, which is that what you are doing in the strait is causing your isolation on a global level."