Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced in a weekly press briefing that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to China tomorrow. This trip comes amid recent diplomatic developments and indirect negotiations with the United States, potentially having significant implications for Iran's foreign policy.

Why it matters:
Araghchi's visit to China occurs at a time when Iran seeks to strengthen its ties with global powers as an active actor in the regional and international scene and alleviate the pressures of sanctions. This trip could be seen as a strategic step towards diversifying Iran's international relations and garnering economic and political support from China.

The big picture:
In today's briefing, the latest developments in Iran's diplomatic efforts, referencing Abbas Araghchi's recent trips to Moscow and Italy, were raised. These visits are part of ongoing indirect negotiations with the United States.

What he's saying:
Baghaei asserted that all sanctions imposed on Iran are unjust and illegal, stating that Iran's primary demand in any negotiations is the removal of these sanctions in a manner that yields tangible and effective results. He also noted the refusal to confirm details released about talks and indicated that the next round of talks would take place in Muscat.

Go deeper:
Trip to China could be viewed as an effort to bolster economic and political relations with one of the world's largest powers. As Iran seeks strong guarantees for the future of its nuclear and economic negotiations, this visit may present an opportunity to secure greater support from China and create a united front against Western pressures. Additionally, emphasis on the need for robust guarantees to avoid past betrayals underscores the sensitivity and importance of these negotiations for Iran.

Hossein Amiri