BEIJING: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Tehran is seeking China`s support for a `new post-war` regional framework following its conflict with the United States, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations as Beijing positions itself as a key Mideast peacemaker.

Reiterating Iran`s trust in China, Araghchi said his country `looks forward to` Beijing `supporting the establishment of a new post-war regional framework that can balance development and security`.

His visit comes just a week before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. In response to Iran`s request, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said his country would play a `greater role` in ending hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East.

`China will work harder to ease tensions and end the fighting, continue to support the launch of peace talks and play agreaterroleinrestoringpeace and tranquility to the Middle East,` Wang told Araghchi in Beijing.

After the meeting, Iran`s foreign ministry said Araghchi briefed Wang on talks with the US and stressed a dual approach.

`Iran, just as it demonstrated strength in defending itself and remains fully prepared to confront any aggression, is also serious and steadfast in the field of diplomacy,` Araghchi said, according to the Iranian Students` News Agency.

He added that Iran would only accept a `fair and comprehensive agreement`.

China`s foreign ministry said the talks occurred as `the current regional situation is at a critical juncture of transition from war to peace`.

`China considers that a complete cessation of fighting must be achieved without delay, that it is even more unacceptable to restart hostilities, and that continuing to negotiate remains essential, Wang said in a ministry statement.

Beijing`s diplomacy is credited with playing an important role in the fragileceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran. Central to China`s concerns is the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for its energy imports.

More than half of the crude oil China imports by sea transits through the strait, according to maritime analytics firm Kpler. While China`s fuel reserves have shielded it from immediate shortages, the conflict has driven up costs for oil-derived materials.

Wang said China hopes `the parties concerned will respond as quickly as possible to the urgent call of the international community` for a resumption of normal and safe maritime traffic.

The diplomatic push comes as Trump said the US would pause its new operation escorting commercial ships through the Hormuz Strait, citing a desire to reach a peace deal. The US has demanded tight controls on Tehran`s nuclear program, a key sticking point in crumbling negotiations.

Addressing the issue, Wang said China`s position balances international concerns with sovereign rights. `China welcomes Iran`s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, while considering that Iran has the legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy,` he said.

Trump`s planned visit to Beijing on May 14-15, which the White House has announced but Beijing has not confirmed, follows a flurry of diplomatic activity.

Xi has recently met with leaders from the Gulf, Europe and Southeast Asia, seeking to position China as a stable partner amid the US-led conflict.

In a separate diplomatic development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed regional security and stability in a phone call with Araghchi, the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement. The call highlights broadening regional efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Analysts suggest China is working to ensure the Trump-Xi summit proceeds smoothly, leveraging its influence to encourage a return to negotiations.

-Agencies