Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has begun his first visit to China since the start of the war with the United States. The discussions are expected to focus on maintaining the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route affected by recent tensions.

China has been vocal about both the ceasefire and the Hormuz issue. It previously criticized the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and also expressed disapproval of Iran’s role in closing the waterway. Tehran is seeking to confirm what kind of support it might receive from Beijing if it agrees to reopen the strait.

Iran also aims to ensure that China will continue to back it at the United Nations if additional sanctions are imposed. The visit underscores Tehran’s effort to secure diplomatic and economic assurances from Beijing amid ongoing regional instability.