Iranian FM lands in Beijing ahead of Trump’s expected China visit

BEIJING – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Beijing for an official visit to China amid tensions with the US in Strait of Hormuz. During his visit, Araghchi is scheduled to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the latest regional developments, international affairs, and the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Notably, Araghchi’s visit comes just one week ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned trip to China. This visit represents Araghchi’s first face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart since the February 28 strikes on Iran by the US and Israel, following several discussions over the phone during the conflict. In latest development, Trump paused for a short period of time an operation for safely evacuation of ships from the Strait of Hormuz on the request of Pakistan and other countries. In a post on Truth Social, he claimed that the US had achieved “tremendous Military Success” during the campaign against the Country of Iran. He also stated that there has been “great progress” toward a “Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran”. “…we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed”.