Beijing, 24 July 2026 (Anadolu News/APP)

China has reaffirmed its support for Iran's sovereignty and security as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. During a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated Beijing's commitment to backing Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and dignity.

According to China's Foreign Ministry, Wang expressed deep concern over the worsening regional situation and stressed the importance of preserving the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), describing it as a major achievement of multilateral diplomacy. He said the agreement reflected the shared desire of Iran and countries across the Middle East for peace and long-term stability, urging all parties to uphold its commitments rather than abandon them.

Wang emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward, calling for a return to the consensus established under the MoU. He also said China would continue supporting mediation efforts led by Pakistan and other regional stakeholders while encouraging renewed diplomatic engagement to address broader security concerns, including those related to the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to negotiations, stating that Iran has no interest in prolonging the conflict. He said Iran hopes to deepen coordination with China during this critical period and expects Beijing to continue playing a constructive role in promoting regional stability and reducing tensions.

Regional tensions have intensified since U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 8 that the ceasefire outlined in the Islamabad MoU was no longer in effect. Since then, the United States and Iran have exchanged military strikes, with Washington targeting sites inside Iran and Tehran claiming attacks on U.S. military facilities and equipment across several countries in the region.

Meanwhile, President Trump warned that there would be serious consequences if China or Russia supplied weapons to Iran, although he expressed confidence that neither country is currently doing so.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him during their recent meeting in Beijing that China would neither provide nor sell weapons to Iran, including through Chinese companies. Trump said he trusted Xi's commitment, citing the relationship between the two nations.

He also said Russian President Vladimir Putin had offered similar assurances despite Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump noted that while the United States sells weapons to NATO allies, those countries purchase the equipment directly, and Washington does not control how those weapons are subsequently distributed.

According to Trump, neither China nor Russia is currently supplying arms to Iran. However, he cautioned that if either country were to do so, it would have serious consequences and would not serve their own strategic interests.

Separately, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported that Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi agreed to maintain close coordination and regular consultations on issues of mutual interest during their meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic.

The two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Iran while reviewing the evolving regional security situation. Dar expressed deep concern over the recent escalation and underscored the importance of dialogue, restraint, de-escalation, and sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace. He also emphasized the need to build on the understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU signed in June 2026.

Araghchi thanked Pakistan for its continued diplomatic support and constructive efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and security. He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan's assistance in facilitating the safe return of Iranian fishermen and crew members, including those from vessels intercepted by the United States, as well as its coordination with Iranian, U.S., and other relevant authorities to ensure their safe transit through Pakistan and return to Iran.

Both the top diplomats discussed current regional situation on the sidelines of SCO meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic