Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his visit to Beijing, according to Iranian media reports.
The two officials discussed the latest developments in the region as well as matters of mutual interest, the reports said. The call underscored the continuing diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Islamabad at a time of heightened regional tensions.
Araghchi Meets Wang Yi in Beijing
The phone call took place during Araghchi’s visit to China, where he also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss regional security and efforts to reduce tensions.
During his meeting with Wang, Araghchi said Tehran had initiated talks with neighboring countries as part of its efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. The Iranian foreign minister said his government was seeking to protect what it described as the Iranian people’s legitimate rights while working toward peaceful relations and stronger ties with neighboring states.
China Calls for De-escalation
China, meanwhile, called on the United States and Iran to avoid further escalation and return to negotiations. Wang Yi said Beijing did not want tensions to intensify or spread to other areas, including Yemen and the Red Sea.
The Chinese foreign minister also urged Washington and Tehran to engage in meaningful discussions on outstanding issues and work toward restoring a negotiating framework based on understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Wang said the ongoing dispute between the US and Iran was not in the interests of either side.
Key Takeaways
- Araghchi spoke by phone with Field Marshal Asim Munir while in Beijing, discussing regional developments and bilateral issues.
- The Iranian foreign minister met Wang Yi to address regional security and de-escalation efforts.
- Tehran says it has opened talks with neighboring countries to restore peace and stability.
- Beijing urged Washington and Tehran to avoid escalation and resume meaningful negotiations.
- China warned against tensions spreading to Yemen and the Red Sea.
