Beijing Backs US-Iran Deal While Tehran Defends Missile Independence

China has publicly endorsed the interim agreement between Washington and Tehran, framing the move as a vital step toward regional stability. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun signaled Beijing's approval of the framework while explicitly reaffirming support for Iran’s right to maintain its own national sovereignty and defense posture.

Editorial·June 24, 2026·reads: 491

Beijing Backs US-Iran Deal While Tehran Defends Missile Independence

The accord, rooted in the June 14 Islamabad Understanding, seeks to de-escalate long-standing tensions through a 14-point diplomatic roadmap. By focusing on nuclear and economic cooperation, the deal marks a notable pivot in American policy, which had previously prioritized the restriction of Iran's ballistic capabilities. Beijing is now urging all signatories to honor the new Memorandums of Understanding to prevent any future backsliding.

Despite the diplomatic momentum, President Masoud Pezeshkian has drawn a firm line regarding the scope of these negotiations. He stated that the missile program remains entirely outside the purview of the current agreement, serving as a non-negotiable pillar of Iran's national security. This distinction underscores the limits of the current framework, even as China encourages Tehran to pursue deeper integration and improved relations with its Gulf neighbors.