Iran will do its 'utmost' to guarantee Chinese citizens' safety: China foreign ministry

Iran has pledged to do its "utmost" to guarantee the safety and security of Chinese nationals in the country, said the country's foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

According to a press release by the China ministry of foreign affairs, he made the remark during a phone call with China foreign minister Wang Yi on Mar. 2.

Wang also reiterated that China values its "traditional friendship" with Iran, and expressed his support for Iran to "safeguard its sovereignty", according to a state news report.

"Iran has no choice but to defend itself": Iran foreign minister

Araghchi also updated Wang on the latest developments in Iran during the call.

The Iranian official said the United States had "launched war against Iran for the second time during their ongoing negotiations".

Although both sides had achieved "positive progress" in recent negotiations, Araghchi said Washington's actions "violates all international laws and treads and even crosses the red line of Iran".

Araghchi told Wang that Iran has "no choice but to defend itself at all costs".

He expressed hopes that China will continue "playing an proactive role in preventing the escalation of tensions in the region".

China values "traditional friendship", supports Iran in "safeguarding its sovereignty"

In response, Wang reiterated China's "principled position" on Iran's current situation, noting that the country values the "traditional friendship" between the two countries.

He also expressed China's support for Iran in "safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and national dignity and in upholding its legitimate and lawful rights and interests".

Wang said China has urged the U.S. and Israel to "immediately cease military actions to avoid further escalation of tensions and prevent the conflict from expanding and spreading to the entire Middle East region".

Amid what he described as a grave and complex situation, Wang said China believes Iran will "maintain national and social stability", take seriously the legitimate concerns of neighbouring countries, and ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Iran.

Araghchi responded that Iran will do its "utmost" to ensure Chinese personnel and institutions in the country are safe and secure.

Top images via Seyed Abbas Araghchi/X & Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Syrian Arab Republic