Beijing: China on Wednesday urged the US and Iran to return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as Chinese President Xi Jinping was expected to meet his US counterpart Donald Trump next week in Washington.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the call during his meeting with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, who is on a one-day trip to Beijing, as stated by China's Foreign Ministry. Wang emphasized that the continued prolongation of the US-Iran conflict is not in the interest of the parties involved or the international community.

Wang encouraged rational behavior and restraint from both Iran and the United States, urging a return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. He stressed the importance of rebuilding the negotiation mechanism based on previously reached consensus and conducting substantive consultations on mutual concerns. The memorandum, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, was originally signed in June.

Wang also supported Tehran's dialogue with Gulf states and called for mutual respect for territorial sovereignty and national security. He urged all parties to take effective measures to open the Strait of Hormuz promptly, ensuring the safety and smooth operation of international shipping lanes. The closure of Hormuz followed US and Israeli military actions against Iran, which led to escalated regional conflict.

China expressed concern about the potential spillover of regional tensions into Yemen and the Red Sea, urging all parties to resolve issues through dialogue. Wang reiterated China's commitment to playing a constructive role in resolving international disputes, emphasizing China's partnership with Iran to safeguard its legitimate rights.

Araghchi, in turn, accused Washington of violating the Islamabad understanding shortly after its signing, as per a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. He emphasized Iran's desire for regional calm and friendly relations, while also asserting Iran's readiness for diplomatic solutions.

The meeting between Wang and Araghchi was their second in-person discussion since the conflict escalated in February. China remains a major importer of Iranian oil, with bilateral trade volume exceeding $41 billion last year, underlining the economic ties between the two nations.