China calls for Mideast dialogue in talks with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged a return to diplomatic talks in recent meetings with Iranian, Omani, and Saudi officials in Beijing, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The conflict, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has spilled over into neighboring countries. Wang, speaking to Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran's deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, asserted that Beijing supports Tehran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security.

He called for dialogue to end the conflict while maintaining regional energy security and the safety of shipping lanes.

China, a significant economic partner of Iran, has long sought a detente in the months-long crisis, which has disrupted global shipping. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's deputy, Ali Bagheri Kani, was in Beijing for Wang's meeting, marking a significant diplomatic development. President Xi Jinping also met Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, marking the first official visit to China by a Gulf nation's head of state since diplomatic ties were established.

Xi expressed China's readiness to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, cautioning against the Middle East becoming a "wrestling ground for major-country rivalry and geopolitical conflicts."

China's Middle East envoy will visit Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia later this month as part of shuttle diplomacy efforts aimed at promoting peace talks and easing tensions.