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Abbas Araghchi

Abbas Araghchi
Abbas Araghchi is a highly experienced Iranian career diplomat, currently serving as the Foreign Minister of Iran. He has held significant roles including Ambassador to Finland (1999-2003) and Japan (2008-2011), plus various Deputy Foreign Minister positions, notably for Legal and International Affairs (2005-2008, 2013-2018) and Political Affairs (2018-2021). Araghchi was a pivotal figure in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear negotiations, serving as Iran’s chief negotiator. His expertise lies in international relations and shaping Iran’s foreign policy.
The Malta-flagged tanker Agios Fanourios I sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, arriving in Iraq’s territorial waters off Basra in April. Photo: Reuters
United States

‘Time on our side’: Trump says Iran blockade remains until deal is signed

We ‌must take our time ‘and get ‌it right’, said the US president. Iran said managing the Strait of ⁠Hormuz was Tehran’s ‘legal ‌right’.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US voices hope for Iran deal as Pakistan mediator seeks breakthrough

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US, Israel war on Iran

Vance says Iran talks making ‘good progress’, but US forces ‘locked and loaded’

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China-Middle East relations

Why Iran’s choice of Beijing envoy signals an ‘unprecedented’ commitment

Prominent hardliner Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, is a veteran of peace talks with the US.

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Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is “likely a figure who can represent Iran and is acceptable to all domestic political factions”, according to a Chinese scholar. Photo: TNS
US, Israel war on Iran

How does the Strait of Hormuz stand-off look in the wake of Trump-Xi summit?

The US and Iran are both considering their next moves as the deadlock over the key shipping route continues.

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India

Iran’s ‘anti-American’ rhetoric tests India’s balancing act at Brics meeting

Foreign Minister Araghchi seeks the bloc’s backing against US pressure in New Delhi, but India likely to prioritise de-escalation and trade.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump, Tehran and a Qatari tanker transit: here’s what happened overnight

US leader calls Iran’s response to its peace proposal ‘totally unacceptable’, while a Qatari ship passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

A woman holds the Iranian flag as she stands in front of an anti-US billboard in Tehran on Sunday. As the war enters its 10th week, peace talks remain stalled. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran responds to US proposal, as Qatari tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz

The response, sent via Pakistan, focuses on ending the war on all fronts, especially Lebanon, and on the safety of shipping in the waterway.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US-Iran war no closer to ending as Gulf clashes flare

Recent days have seen the biggest flare-ups in fighting in and around the Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire began a month ago.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Why Iran’s ambassador to China thinks the US can’t turn Beijing against it

Top envoy’s remarks come amid speculation Washington may induce Beijing to pressure Tehran into accepting a peace deal.

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Iranian ambassador Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli says relations with China are “deeply rooted". Photo: China News Service via Getty Images
US, Israel war on Iran

US-Iran peace optimism fuels Asian stock market gains

Asian markets surge on hopes for an end to US-Iran conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, even with many risks still hanging over markets.

A pro-government billboard in Tehran, Iran, depicts the closed Strait of Hormuz. Photo: AP
US, Israel war on Iran

US strikes Iranian tanker amid reports Washington and Tehran near deal

Trump reiterated that Iran ‘cannot have a nuclear weapon’ as both sides combined military pressure with diplomatic efforts to end deadlock.

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Iran

China’s Wang Yi and Iran’s Araghchi support new regional security framework in Gulf

Separately, Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers in a phone call discuss need to continue diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation.

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China-Middle East relations

Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi to visit China days ahead of Donald Trump

Foreign Minister Araghchi will arrive on Wednesday and hold talks with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Beijing has announced.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Beijing in April 2025. Photo: Xinhua
South Korea

South Korea rebuffs Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’ call after Hormuz ship fire

A UN mandate and a global coalition are required before Seoul joins Trump’s mission to reopen the strait, officials indicate.

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South Koreans protest in Seoul last month against an earlier request by US President Donald Trump to dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: AFP
Diplomacy

Strait of Hormuz woes, US-Nato ‘crisis’: 7 global relations reads

From a possible Trump-Iran joint venture to Russia-China talks, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in April 2026.

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump says hostilities in Iran ‘terminated’ ahead of war powers deadline

Trump administration argues war in Iran has ended due to ceasefire, allowing White House to avoid the need to seek congressional approval.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump hails ‘very good’ Putin call as Iran talks stall and Ukraine war drags on

US president says Russian leader offered help on Iran’s enriched uranium and discussed a Victory Day ceasefire in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump meeting in Alaska in 2025. Photo: TNS
US, Israel war on Iran

Trump and Iran trade red lines as Putin enters the diplomatic crossfire

Message via Pakistan outlines terms on nuclear work and Strait of Hormuz, as Moscow signals support and Washington considers next move.

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China-Middle East relations

Iran’s foreign minister returns to Pakistan after Trump cancels envoys’ trip

Tehran pursues urgent regional coordination as US president orders his negotiators to stay home.

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China-Middle East relations

Iran digs in as US envoys Kushner and Witkoff head to Pakistan for more talks

Trapped in the Persian Gulf, ship crews run low on food, water – and mental health reserves.

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The Epaminondas ship is seen during seizure by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, in this image obtained on Friday. Photo: Reuters
Pakistan

US says direct talks are on, Iran says no: confusion over Pakistan meeting

Trump sends Witkoff and Kushner; meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry denies US discussions even as Araghchi arrives in Islamabad.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived on Friday in Pakistan, which hosted peace talks with the US earlier this month. Photo: Xinhua
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war latest: Trump’s new threat, IRGC attacks ship, fuel prices hit flights

US president’s ceasefire extension followed by threats to ‘blow up’ rest of Iran, as Tehran refuses to join peace talks while Hormuz blockade continues.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US and Iran warn they are ready for war as clock ticks on ceasefire end

As talks remain in limbo, a key Iranian figure says the Islamic Republic is ready to ‘show new cards on the battlefield’.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US-Iran talks in the air as high-seas ship seizure reignites Hormuz tensions

Pakistan scrambles to save talks in Islamabad following the US military’s seizure of an Iranian-flagged vessel.

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Touska, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, as the USS Spruance conducts its interception. Photo: CENTCOM via Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war escalates as Houthis threaten to sever Saudi oil exports

Targets reportedly include a Saudi pipeline to the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and a UAE export terminal at Fujairah, outside the Gulf.

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Armed Houthi loyalists attend a rally in Yemen last month demanding a resumption of attacks against Red Sea shipping. Photo: Xinhua
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: France and UK to lead ‘defensive’ force for Strait of Hormuz

Trump, meanwhile, says he received a Nato offer to help secure the key waterway but told the alliance to ‘STAY AWAY’.

US, Israel war on Iran

Turkey’s Erdogan urges Iran, US to use ceasefire to push for lasting peace

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Erdogan also stressed the importance of acting with ‘prudent understanding’ to end the Iran war.

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