• Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi expressed appreciation for China's four-point plan, according to state news agency IRNA.
  • The plan is seen as a framework for deepening bilateral ties amid ongoing sanctions and regional tensions.
  • Analysts view the endorsement as a signal of Iran's strategic pivot toward China.

Iran's top diplomat has voiced support for Beijing's four-point initiative aimed at bolstering cooperation, state media reported on Thursday. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking at a joint press conference with his Chinese counterpart, said Tehran "appreciates" the proposal, which covers areas including energy, trade, and regional security. The announcement comes as Iran continues to grapple with Western sanctions and seeks to strengthen ties with non-Western powers.

The four-point plan, first floated by Chinese officials earlier this year, is designed to provide a structured approach to Iran-China relations, building on the 25-year cooperation agreement signed in 2021. According to people familiar with the matter, the plan includes commitments to increase Chinese investment in Iran's energy infrastructure, facilitate trade in yuan, and coordinate on issues like Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf.

"China has consistently stood with Iran during difficult times," Araghchi said, according to IRNA. He added that the plan "aligns with our national interests" and called for expedited implementation. Chinese officials welcomed Iran's backing, stressing that the initiative "reflects the deep strategic trust" between the two nations.

The development underscores Iran's growing reliance on Beijing as negotiations with the U.S. and European powers over the nuclear deal remain stalled. Experts say the endorsement could also be aimed at sending a message to Washington that Tehran has alternative partners. Iran's economy, battered by sanctions, has already seen increased Chinese crude purchases and technology transfers.

Attempts to reach U.S. State Department officials for comment were not immediately successful. The European Union has urged both sides to maintain transparency.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated Araghchi's title. He is Iran's foreign minister, not the deputy foreign minister.