In an interview released just before President Trump’s visit to China, Iran’s ambassador to Beijing, Abrereza Rahmani Fazli, praised the Chinese Communist Party, highlighting China’s significant influence in easing tensions in the Middle East.
This interview, conducted by Iran’s leading news outlet Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), comes on the heels of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi’s recent trip to China, alongside several public efforts from the Iranian regime to strengthen ties with China. The two nations, traditional allies with shared anti-American views and mutual commercial interests, see China as Iran’s largest oil purchaser and as part of the anti-American BRICS coalition set up in 2024.
However, the relationship hasn’t been without strain since the U.S. initiated Operation Epic Fury, leading to the removal of several Iranian officials and prompting Iran to disrupt international shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. China, heavily reliant on this shipping for oil and essential goods, has been vocal about the urgent need to resolve these disruptions but hasn’t held Iran accountable.
The matter of Iranian relations and shipping disruptions is expected to be a central topic during President Trump’s conversations with Xi Jinping when he arrives in Beijing on Wednesday.
In light of this, Ambassador Rahmani Fazli reiterated Iran’s positive perspective towards China and the enduring nature of the Iran-China partnership.
“Iran views China not just as a commercial ally and energy supplier, but as a key player in a larger strategy to counteract external pressures and threats,” Rahmani Fazli remarked. He also criticized U.S. military actions aimed at undermining Iran’s capabilities while commending China for resisting the U.S.’s failed attempts to intervene as a mediator.
He went on to emphasize that China’s approach was focused on containing conflict rather than exerting pressure on Iran, illustrating a preference for regional stability over aggression.
According to the ambassador, China has historically maintained a sympathetic position towards Iran, and the latter is working to “redefine its diplomatic stance” following Araghchi’s visit to Beijing.
“Beijing has been against escalating conflicts from the outset, recognizing that instability in West Asia translates into a broader global crisis,” he argued. “It affects energy security, international trade, and the global power balance. From this viewpoint, China’s initiatives to end hostilities align with the stability principle.”
During Araghchi’s China visit, Minister Wang Yi strongly advocated for resolving shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a situation largely attributed to Iran’s actions.
“On the strait issue, there are common concerns from the international community regarding the restoration of safe navigation,” the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated post-meeting. They expressed hopes that relevant nations would quickly address these widespread concerns.
Currently, China hasn’t disclosed many details about the agenda for Trump’s visit.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun indicated that President Xi would engage in thorough discussions with Trump on key issues, particularly those concerning U.S.-China relations and global peace.
The Ministry largely refrained from addressing Iran at a recent briefing, choosing instead to express dissatisfaction with new sanctions targeting facilities dealing with Iranian oil.
“We strongly oppose unilateral sanctions lacking a foundation in international law,” Guo asserted. “We will take necessary steps to safeguard the rights and interests of Chinese firms and citizens,” he added.
“In terms of the Iran situation, our immediate priority isn’t to blame China, but to find ways to ensure peace and avoid any resurgence of hostilities,” he stated.
Currently, Iran and the U.S. are in an indefinite ceasefire, with the U.S. recently indicating a willingness to engage in negotiations. However, President Trump expressed frustration, labeling Iran’s latest response to U.S. proposals as “garbage,” emphasizing that the ceasefire feels precarious.
“I haven’t had the chance to fully read through the latest Iranian feedback,” he admitted.
“I believe the ceasefire is barely hanging on,” he explained, likening it to a patient in critical condition.
Last month, Trump noted the complexities in negotiating with Iran, mentioning the competing influences of various factions within the Iranian government. With tensions managed by the country’s leadership, the recent death of long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has added uncertainty. His successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has remained out of the public eye, raising questions about his capability to lead.
In April, Trump commented on the ambiguity of leadership within Iran, saying, “no one knows who is in charge, not even them.” He added, “We’ve got all the leverage and they have virtually none! If they want to talk, they can just reach out!”
