Key facts
- China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the US and Iran to maintain negotiation momentum.
- Wang Yi stated that dialogue is preferable to fighting and confrontation.
- China is willing to collaborate with Saudi Arabia to reduce regional tensions.
- Both the US and Iran are sending delegations to Qatar for talks.
- Iran denied agreeing to direct meetings with the US.
- An interim deal between the US and Iran includes uranium stockpile dilution and oil sanctions waivers.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for sustained momentum in negotiations between the United States and Iran, emphasizing that dialogue is more constructive than conflict. Speaking in Beijing with his Saudi counterpart, Wang stated that China is prepared to cooperate with Saudi Arabia to de-escalate regional tensions and foster lasting peace.
This call comes as both the US and Iran are set to send delegations to Qatar for discussions. However, Iran has clarified that it has not agreed to direct talks with the US at any level, despite an interim deal that includes provisions for Tehran to dilute its enriched uranium stockpile and the waiving of US-backed oil sanctions. The agreement also aims to ensure free passage through the Strait of Hormuz and provides a 60-day period for both sides to finalize broader agreements.
Recent hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz have challenged the ongoing negotiations. Iran's Foreign Ministry has indicated that discussions in Qatar would focus on implementing the memorandum of understanding, particularly concerning the release of Iran's restricted assets, and would be held with the Qatari side. Iran has also stated its intention to respond decisively to any violation of the memorandum by the US.