September 16, 2026
China urges restraint in US-Iran talks, affirms support for Iran live from Beijing
What we know
- China has expressed support for Iran's legitimate rights amid ongoing tensions.
- China has called on both Iran and the United States to exercise restraint and resume diplomatic talks.
- Ahead of the US-China summit, China hosted an Iranian diplomat, indicating ongoing dialogue with Tehran.
- The Chinese foreign ministry warned against the conflict spreading to Yemen and stressed the importance of regional stability.
Live updates
Publication times are shown in US Eastern Time and UTC. Event times are stated in the update text when confirmed.
China Affirms Support for Iran, Calls for Restraint in US Talks
China has expressed its readiness to protect Iran's legitimate rights while urging both Iran and the United States to exercise restraint and revive diplomatic negotiations, according to multiple sources. Ahead of the upcoming US-China summit, Beijing hosted an Iranian diplomat, signaling its commitment to maintaining dialogue with Tehran. The Chinese foreign ministry also cautioned against the conflict spilling over into Yemen, emphasizing the need for regional stability.
What we’ll be tracking
Why it matters
China's support for Iran and call for restraint highlight its strategic role in mediating tensions between Iran and the United States.
China's warning against conflict spillover into Yemen underscores concerns about broader regional instability.
China's engagement with Iran ahead of the US-China summit signals its intent to influence discussions on Middle East diplomacy.