Iran pitches China as key guarantor in emerging US deal framework

A senior Iranian foreign policy official said China could serve as the guarantor of a possible understanding between Tehran and Washington, while also pointing to the Strait of Hormuz as an emerging strategic lever for Iran, according to Iran International.

Jalal Dehghani Firouzabadi, secretary of the Islamic Republic’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, told ISNA that current circumstances require Tehran to reinforce its position over the Strait of Hormuz. 

“This new strategic tool is now one of the elements of Iran’s power,” he said.

Dehghani Firouzabadi added that Iran must carefully balance its national security priorities with the principle of free maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that Tehran and Oman play a central role in shaping the legal framework governing the waterway.

Referring to ongoing discussions between Tehran and Washington, he described China as “the guarantor of a possible understanding” and said US President Donald Trump favours reaching an understanding rather than escalating tensions further.

He characterised the negotiations as highly challenging, with issues that are both wide-ranging and complex, and said Iran should further strengthen the legal expertise supporting its negotiating team.

By Jeyhun Aghazada