Iran FM heads to Beijing as Gulf tensions disrupt maritime traffic and oil markets
Diplomatic talks come amid stalled US negotiations, rising shipping disruptions in the Gulf, and a surge in global oil prices following recent escalations.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is heading to Beijing on Tuesday for talks, according to an announcement from Tehran, amid stalled negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the Middle East war.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a brief statement that Araghchi will meet during the visit with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed at the start of the US-Israeli war against it.
On Sunday, he announced the “Project Freedom” to escort ships stuck in the Gulf so they can leave through the strait under US military escort.
As of April 29, the number of commercial ships stranded in the Gulf exceeded 900, according to the maritime data company XMarine.
Oil prices rose after the attacks, with Brent crude for July delivery jumping by more than five percent.