Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the United States is willing to continue diplomatic talks and that Iran is open to potential support from China. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi after attending a BRICS meeting, Araghchi said he has received messages from the Americans indicating they want to continue the talks and broader engagement. He added that Iran welcomes assistance from any country that can help, and he specifically cited China.

Araghchi said Iran and China have “very good relations” and that China is viewed as a strategic partner. He said any steps China could take to support diplomacy would be welcomed.

His comments come a day after statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that Xi Jinping had offered China’s help related to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also said China pledged not to send military equipment to aid Iran in its reported conflict involving the United States and Israel. The sources report that China has been engaged in efforts to support such regional diplomacy, though details are not fully specified in the accounts.