Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The meeting took place as the United States intensifies economic pressure and sanctions-related measures against Iran. Information about the meeting was released through the Iranian foreign minister’s Telegram channel, but no details of the discussions were disclosed.

Washington has outlined a new plan aimed at tightening pressure on Iran’s economy and has increased threats of sanctions against other countries maintaining economic ties with Tehran. The United States has also called on governments around the world to join its economic campaign against Iran.

China has opposed the US pressure. Beijing says it will take necessary measures to protect its interests following the new US steps. China’s position is that sanctions will not resolve the ongoing conflict; instead, Beijing has called for a ceasefire during the conflict, which has continued for six months, and warned that US sanctions could make the situation more complicated.