Iranian and Chinese officials discussed the war in Yemen and plans for future regional security during talks in Tehran on Sunday. China continued its diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East through these talks.
China’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, Zhai Jun, met senior Iranian officials. They included Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for political affairs. Zhai also met Mohammad Alibek, the Foreign Ministry’s director general for Gulf affairs.
China’s Foreign Ministry said the meetings discussed ties between the two countries and events across the Middle East. Alibek later wrote on X that he and Zhai also discussed the Yemen crisis, the need for a political solution and future regional security plans. He said both sides agreed to keep diplomatic efforts continue.
China announced the visit on November 2. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Zhai would travel to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in early and mid-November. She said these visits aimed to support peace talks, reduce regional tensions and promote Chinese President Xi Jinping’s plans for peace and security in the Middle East.
Before Zhai’s visit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate meetings in Beijing with Bagheri Kani and Saudi national security adviser Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban on November 2. Wang Yi called for political talks to end the war. China also stressed the need to protect energy supplies and important shipping routes.
China has played a key role in Middle East diplomacy. In March 2023, China hosted talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The meetings caused both countries to agree to restore diplomatic ties and reopen their embassies. The deal showed that Beijing could bring regional rivals to the table, though it did not end all disputes.
Yemen remains one of the region’s biggest problems. The country has been in a civil war since 2014, when Houthi forces took control of the capital, Sanaa. The Houthis control much of northern Yemen, while the internationally recognized government holds areas in the south. Iran has increased its support for the Houthis, while Saudi Arabia has backed the government during the years of fighting.
A ceasfire in 2022 reduced tensions but did not end the conflict. Clashes increased again in 2026, including on Yemen’s west coast and near Taiz. The United Nations Population Fund said more than 300,000 people had been forced to leave their homes since August. About 82,000 people were displaced in October alone.
The United Nations and Oman are still working to bring Yemen’s sides to the negotiating table. Rising violence has slowed these efforts, while a planned prisoner exchange was put on hold as tensions increased. Fighting and closed roads are also making it harder for rescue teams to reach families in need.
China’s meetings with Iran do not confirm a new role in leading Yemen peace talks. However, it show that China is staying in contact with Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Any progress will depend on whether regional countries and Yemen’s groups can start direct talks and reach a lasting peace agreement.
