IRIA News

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Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beijing on May 6, 2026, for an official visit and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, focusing on the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and efforts to sustain a ceasefire.

At the start of the meeting, Wang Yi called for continued negotiations and warned against renewed fighting. “We believe that a comprehensive ceasefire brooks no delay, a resumption of hostilities is inadvisable, and persisting with negotiations is particularly important,” he said.

The visit comes days before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel to Beijing on May 14–15 for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The planned summit is expected to address the conflict and broader regional tensions.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue in the conflict. The waterway carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, Iran has restricted shipping through the strait, while the United States imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports following a temporary ceasefire reached in April.

我在北京同中国外长王毅进行了富有建设性的会谈。双方重申伊朗有权维护国家主权和民族尊严，伊方赞赏中方提出的关于维护和促进地区和平稳定的四点主张。伊方信任中方，期待中方为促和止战继续发挥积极作用，并支持建立能够统筹发展与安全的战后地区新架构。 pic.twitter.com/esQRcapEGx

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 6, 2026

The U.S. and Iranian naval blockades have disrupted energy flows and affected global markets. China, a major importer of Gulf energy, has been impacted by the situation.

China has called for de-escalation while maintaining engagement with both Iran and the United States. During the talks, Wang criticized U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran as “illegitimate,” according to official statements.

At the same time, Beijing has not endorsed restrictions on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and has continued to emphasize the need for stability and dialogue.

China has also maintained economic ties with Iran despite U.S. sanctions, including continued purchases of Iranian oil.

China remains a key economic partner for Iran. The two countries signed a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement in 2021 covering trade, infrastructure, and other sectors.

Iranian officials have sought to maintain diplomatic coordination with Beijing as international discussions over the conflict continue.

US-Iran Negotiations

Separately, U.S. officials said negotiations with Iran are ongoing over a possible agreement to end the conflict and establish a framework for future nuclear talks.

According to four sources, the two sides are discussing a one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU). U.S. officials expect Iranian responses on several key issues within 48 hours, although no agreement has been finalized.

The proposed framework includes a potential moratorium on Iran’s nuclear enrichment, the gradual lifting of U.S. sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian funds. It also includes provisions for easing restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Under the draft, both sides would enter a 30-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a broader agreement. During this time, limits on shipping and the U.S. blockade could be gradually reduced.

If negotiations fail, U.S. officials said military measures, including the blockade, could be reinstated.

Discussions are ongoing over the duration of a possible enrichment moratorium. Proposals under consideration range from five to 20 years. The draft also includes provisions related to inspections and commitments regarding nuclear activity.

Talks are being conducted by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both directly and through mediators, with possible venues for further negotiations including Geneva and Islamabad.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations remain complex and ongoing. “We don’t have to have the actual agreement written in one day,” he said, adding that a diplomatic solution would require clarity on commitments from both sides.

U.S. officials have expressed cautious optimism but noted that challenges remain, including internal divisions within Iran’s leadership and unresolved differences on key issues.

President Trump’s recent decision to avoid further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz was linked by officials to progress in the talks and efforts to preserve the ceasefire.

Diplomatic Efforts

Diplomatic activity is also continuing at the United Nations, where a draft resolution backed by the United States and its allies calls on Iran to halt attacks on shipping, remove sea mines, and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The proposal has been revised in recent days as efforts continue to secure broader international support. The situation remains tense, with a continued military presence in the region, but diplomatic contacts between multiple parties are ongoing.