Iran’s Strategic Messages to Turkey and China in Interview with CGTN Türk

On July 6, 2026, coinciding with the farewell ceremony for the late Iranian leader in Tehran, high-ranking Iranian officials delivered significant messages to the governments of Turkey and China in a special interview with the news network CGTN Türk. These discussions took place as the region remains in a fragile ceasefire state following the Islamabad Memorandum after months of tension [1].

Appreciation for Turkey’s Constructive Role and Security Clarifications Esmail Ahmadi-Moghaddam, a former senior military and security official of Iran, explicitly thanked the Turkish government for its support over recent months during the interview. Referring to border incidents and the landing of several projectiles on Turkish soil during past conflicts, he emphasized that Iran never targeted Ankara [1]. According to him, these projectiles were in transit toward other targets, and Iran has always recognized Turkey as a supportive neighbor and an important diplomatic channel [1]. These statements indicate Tehran's desire to fully rebuild security trust with Ankara in the post-crisis era.

China: A Pillar of the Multipolar World and Strategic Partner Another part of the Iranian officials' messages was dedicated to Beijing's role. Tehran officials pointed to the presence of He Wei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, at the funeral as a sign of the depth of strategic relations between the two countries [2]. In these talks, Iran emphasized its commitment to the full implementation of the 25-year strategic cooperation agreement and described China as a key player in shaping a multipolar world and countering unilateralism [1]. Beijing had previously called for the immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions against Iran to accelerate the country's economic reconstruction process.

Diplomacy under the Ceasefire and the Islamabad Memorandum These diplomatic messages were issued within the context of a larger regional development. According to reports, Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, signed a memorandum in Islamabad aimed at ending hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon [3]. Iranian officials told CGTN Türk that they would use political and diplomatic tools to reduce tensions and manage sensitive issues such as the Strait of Hormuz, provided that the opposing parties also fulfill their commitments [2].

Regional Cooperation Outlook in 2026 Analysts believe the messages from Tehran indicate a serious shift toward strengthening Eastern and regional blocs. Iran is attempting to stabilize its position in China's "Belt and Road" initiative by relying on its transit and energy capacities while simultaneously bringing security and economic cooperation with Turkey to an unprecedented level [1]. This trilateral approach could serve as a counterweight to Western pressures and establish lasting stability in Eurasia.