Ahead of Trump-Xi meeting, China calls for immediate ceasefire in Iran

China has called for a "comprehensive ceasefire" in the conflict between Iran and the US, while demanding the restoration of normal movement in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important sea routes for global oil trade.

The statement came during Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi's visit to Beijing, his first since the conflict escalated in late February. After the meeting on May 6, his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi stressed that Beijing would make stronger efforts to end the fighting and contribute to restoring stability in the Middle East.

"China believes that a complete cessation of hostilities is necessary, while the resumption of negotiations is particularly important," Wang Yi said, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

This development comes just a week before a key meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, making Araqchi's visit a strategic move on the eve of the high-level talks.

Meanwhile, reports from Axios suggest that Tehran and Washington are close to a preliminary agreement to end the war in the Persian Gulf. According to the sources, the proposed memorandum includes a moratorium by Iran on nuclear enrichment, the lifting of some US sanctions and the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds, as well as easing navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Araqchi's visit to Beijing has been welcomed by political analysts in Iran, who see it as an important counter-movement ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting. They warn that the lack of diplomatic initiative at this stage could have consequences for Tehran, while emphasizing the need to strengthen strategic cooperation with China and Russia.

According to analysts, Beijing's role could be key in brokering a possible agreement, having enough political weight to act as a guarantor in a peace process between Iran and the United States.

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