Iran-US deal should not be left to die: Wang Yi

China's foreign minister has said Beijing is "deeply concerned" about the recent escalation of tension in the Middle East and the Gulf region, calling for the swift implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed by Iran and the United States.

Wang Yi made the remarks in a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States in Kyrgyzstan's Cholpon-Ata on Friday.

The MoU was a valuable outcome of mediation efforts by multiple parties, and it reflects the aspirations of the Iranian people and other peoples in the region for peace and stability, Wang said.

The progress achieved through dialogue should not be abandoned, he added.

"The door to negotiations, once opened, should not be closed, and as long as there is hope for peace, it should not be given up," Wang said.

The Chinese foreign minister stressed that the priority must be to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiations, and to resume implementation of the consensus reached in the MoU.

Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in the Middle East and the Gulf region, stressing that Iran's willingness to negotiate remains unchanged and Tehran does not wish to see the conflict continue.

He urged the US to honor its commitments, exercise restraint, work with Iran toward the same goal, and seek a reasonable solution.

Wang said China, as a comprehensive strategic partner of Iran, firmly supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity.

China will continue to act in line with the four-point proposal on maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, support mediation efforts by parties including Pakistan, and facilitate the early resumption of dialogue, Wang said.

He added that China will work to help properly address issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, improve relations among neighboring countries, advance collective security among the Gulf states, and help restore peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date.

Araghchi said it is crucial for Iran and China, as comprehensive strategic partners, to strengthen communication and coordination at the current critical moment.

He thanked China for consistently maintaining an objective and impartial position and promoting peace and dialogue, and expressed hope that China would continue to play an important role in helping ease regional tensions.