China signals commitment to deepening Iran partnership

China's special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, has expressed Beijing's determination to expand ties with Iran, according to discussions held with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

The talks reflect ongoing efforts by China to bolster diplomatic and economic partnerships across the Middle East, a region of significant strategic importance for Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative and energy security interests.

China has maintained strong economic and political relations with Iran in recent years, particularly following the lifting of international sanctions under the 2015 nuclear deal, though tensions have risen since the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018.

The engagement between Chinese and Iranian officials comes as both nations seek to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and regional security matters. Such high-level diplomatic exchanges are typically used to coordinate positions on bilateral issues and regional developments.