China’s top diplomat Wang Yi on Tuesday urged Iran to prioritise dialogue over conflict, saying “talking is always better” during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The call came amid rising tensions after Donald Trump claimed that negotiations with Tehran were already underway—an assertion Iran has firmly denied.
The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has intensified across the Middle East, disrupting global energy flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant share of the world’s oil shipments.
While Trump suggested his administration was in contact with a senior Iranian figure and delayed potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure, Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected the claim, accusing Washington of attempting to influence global oil markets.
China, a key partner of Iran, has called for an immediate ceasefire, though it has also criticised Iranian strikes on Gulf states hosting US bases. During the call, Araghchi assured that maritime routes remain largely secure and reiterated Iran’s commitment to a lasting resolution, not just a temporary truce.
