DID Press: China and Russia have reiterated support for diplomatic efforts to end the war between the United States and Iran and reduce tensions in the Middle East, as Washington signals plans for increased economic pressure on Tehran and its trading partners.
Miao Deyu, China’s vice foreign minister, told Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, during a meeting in Beijing that China was “closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East” and actively working to advance peace talks.
The meeting took place on August 17, but China’s Foreign Ministry released details several days later, on Sunday, August 23.
Beijing’s call for a political solution comes as Washington is expected to announce new measures aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran and countries conducting business with Tehran. Donald Trump has previously threatened Iran and countries maintaining commercial ties with Tehran.
China, a major buyer of Iranian oil, has repeatedly said that sanctions and pressure are not a solution to the crisis and has called for a diplomatic settlement.
Meanwhile, Russia has also expressed readiness to play a mediating role. Alexander Alimov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, told Izvestia that Moscow would be prepared, if requested, to support mediation efforts aimed at ending what he described as aggression against Iran and, more broadly, maintaining stability in the Middle East.
Alimov also said the crisis in Lebanon was complicating efforts to revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran. He added that Israel could participate in any potential agreement only indirectly, through the United States.
The positions from Beijing and Moscow indicate that both countries are opposing an escalation of economic and military pressure while seeking to strengthen their diplomatic roles in managing the Middle East crisis.
Iran, meanwhile, has rejected Trump’s threats, describing them as an attempt to divert attention from what Tehran says are the United States’ financial problems and rising debt, and said the measures would not succeed.