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Tehran to accept no less than ‘fair, comprehensive’ deal: Araghchi
China denounces ‘illegitimate’ US-Israeli war on Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Tehran would use all its strength in negotiations to protect its legitimate rights and interests, stressing that Iran will not be satisfied with anything less than a "fair and comprehensive agreement."
The Iranian foreign minister made the remarks in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing.
It was the first visit by the Iranian foreign minister to China since the start of the US-Israeli aggression against Iran on February 28.
Araghchi’s remarks came as hopes are rising for the resumption of peace talks between Tehran and Washington to end the US-Israeli aggression after the first round of the talks mediated by Pakistan failed to produce agreement due to the US’s excessive demands.
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was pausing the US effort to guide stranded vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz to allow time for a deal to end the Iran war.
He said the US blockade of Iranian ports, however, would remain in place as Tehran kept up its own closure of the vital trade route in response to the US-Israeli campaign, rattling markets and spiking fuel prices.
Trump said the move was based “on the request of Pakistan and other Countries and the fact that, “Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was optimistic Trump's "courageous leadership and timely announcement" could foster a deal.
"We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond," he said in a post on X.
Washington is now confident that it is close to reaching a deal with Tehran to reopen the crucial waterway and halt the conflict, US news outlet Axios reported Wednesday, citing two US officials.
It reported both sides are close to agreeing on a "one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war," and start a 30-day period of talks that could take place in Geneva or Islamabad.
Call for complete ceasefire
During the meeting in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called the US-Israeli war on Tehran “illegitimate” and urged a complete ceasefire.
“We believe that a comprehensive ceasefire is urgently needed, that a resumption of hostilities is not acceptable, and that it is particularly important to remain committed to dialogue and negotiations,” Wang told Araghchi.
He criticized the military aggressions of the US and Israel against Iran, adding, “The region is passing through a decisive turning point and direct meetings between the parties are essential.”
Araghchi thanked China for its firm stance, describing Beijing as a sincere friend to Tehran.
China's foreign minister also said Beijing would play a "greater role" in ending hostilities.
China is a key customer for Iranian oil, defying sanctions imposed by the United States, and is directly affected by the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz bordered by Iran.
Beijing has quietly engaged in efforts to resolve the weekslong crisis and its diplomacy is credited with playing an important role in the fragile ceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran.
China "will work harder to ease tensions and end the fighting, continue to support the launch of peace talks, and play a greater role in restoring peace and tranquility to the Middle East," Wang said.
"On the nuclear issue, China welcomes Iran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, while considering that Iran has the legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy," Wang said.