Wang Yi urges parties to seize every opportunity for peace in call with Iranian FM

Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday expressed hope that all parties would seize every opportunity and window for peace and act as soon as possible to start peace talks, during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi about the current situation in the Gulf region.

Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in the situation and thanked China for providing emergency humanitarian assistance.

Iran is committed to achieving a comprehensive cessation of hostilities rather than a temporary ceasefire, he said, adding that the Iranian people are now more united in resisting external aggression and in safeguarding the country's sovereignty and independence.

He told Wang that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all and that vessels can pass through safely, though countries that are at war with Iran are not under consideration.

Araghchi also said he hoped actions by all parties would help de-escalate the situation rather than intensify the conflict, adding that Iran expected China to continue to play a positive role in promoting peace and a ceasefire.

Wang emphasized that all hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, rather than by force.

It is always better to talk than to keep fighting, he said, adding that this serves the interests of Iran and its people and also reflects the common aspiration of the international community.

China will continue to uphold an objective and impartial position, oppose violations of other countries' sovereignty, actively promote talks for peace and work for regional peace and stability, Wang added.