In a phone call held on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi about the growing crisis.
According to a statement from Beijing, Araghchi promised that Iran would take all necessary steps to guarantee the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions inside its borders.
The conversation came after the US and Israel carried out a surprise military operation targeting sites in Iran over the weekend.
The strikes happened at a time when indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran were reportedly showing signs of progress.
Iranian officials described the attacks as unjustified and said the country was left with no option but to defend itself.
Araghchi told Wang that the US had launched war despite positive developments in recent talks. He stressed that Iran remains committed to protecting its sovereignty and national dignity.
China, for its part, called for calm and restraint. Wang Yi said Beijing values its long-standing friendship with Iran and supports efforts to protect its independence and territorial integrity.
He urged all sides, especially the United States and Israel, to immediately stop military actions to prevent the conflict from spreading further across the Middle East.
President Xi Jinping has previously highlighted the importance of cooperation between Beijing and Tehran. The two countries signed a 25-year strategic partnership agreement in 2021, strengthening economic and political ties.
Experts say China plays a key role in Iran’s economy, especially under international sanctions. A large share of Iran’s oil exports goes to China, making the Asian giant one of Tehran’s most important trade partners.
The latest escalation has raised fears of a broader regional war. Before the strikes, mediators had indicated that a peace deal could be close. However, the sudden attacks have now created fresh uncertainty.
As the situation unfolds, Iran appears keen to reassure its allies while standing firm against what it calls aggression.