'China And Iran Are In The Same Bloc': Tehran Courts Beijing As A 'Partner In Every Sense'
Last Updated:June 17, 2026, 18:11 ISTMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf urges new geopolitical blocs, says China and Iran will be core members, stressing deeper strategic, economic and political ties with. . .
Last Updated:June 17, 2026, 18:11 ISTMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf urges new geopolitical blocs, says China and Iran will be core members, stressing deeper strategic, economic and political ties with Beijing. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has called for the formation of new geopolitical blocs and declared that China and Iran would be at the core of any such grouping, underscoring Tehran’s growing strategic alignment with Beijing amid shifting global power dynamics. Speaking at a public event, Ghalibaf argued that the emerging international order requires countries to build stronger partnerships and collective platforms capable of challenging existing power structures. Recommended StoriesAhead Of Modi-Trump Talks, Sergio Gor Tells CNN-News18: 'Looking Forward To It'I Want To Break Free: Sanctioned Iranian Supertankers Exit US Navy Blockade In Hormuz'We Give Importance To Both China, India': Nepal FM Walks Diplomatic Tightrope In Beijing'They Called Him A Stupid Son Of A B***h': Trump Jabs Obama, Touts His Iran Deal At G7“We need some blocs. I’m saying clearly, these blocs must be formed. And in a way, they are already formed," Ghalibaf said. Iran’s Ghalibaf on China & others:We need some blocs. I’m saying clearly, these blocs must be formed. And in a way, they are already formed. Whatever bloc is formed, there are two definite countries in it; don’t doubt it: China and Iran. I am moving along this path with…pic. twitter. com/gyoTaqEPZ8— Clash Report (@clashreport)June 17, 2026‘Don’t Doubt It: China And Iran’The senior Iranian leader asserted that any future geopolitical bloc would inevitably include both China and Iran. “Whatever bloc is formed, there are two definite countries in it; don’t doubt it: China and Iran," he said. Ghalibaf added that Tehran was actively pursuing deeper cooperation with Beijing across multiple sectors, including technology, economics and politics. “I am moving along this path with strength — in all its dimensions. In terms of technology, economy and politics," he said. Beyond A Trade RelationshipEmphasising the importance of the Iran-China partnership, Ghalibaf said Tehran must convince Beijing that the relationship extends beyond commerce. “It is us who must make China believe, which it will, that we are not a customer or just a business partner. We are truly a partner to them. A partner in every sense," he said. His remarks come as Iran and China continue expanding cooperation under a long-term strategic partnership agreement spanning energy, infrastructure, trade and security sectors. ‘Know Friends And Enemies’Ghalibaf also stressed the need for Iran to clearly identify its allies and adversaries as it navigates an increasingly complex international environment. “We must carefully recognize our friends and enemies, and move forward," he said. At the same time, he insisted that closer ties with China would not come at the expense of Iran’s sovereignty. “Of course, we have our dignity, our independence, our perspective. We know our friends well," he added. Signal Of Tehran’s Strategic DirectionThe comments are being viewed as one of the clearest signals yet of Tehran’s desire to deepen its strategic orientation towards China and other non-Western powers. As tensions between Iran and Western nations continue to shape regional politics, Iranian leaders have increasingly highlighted partnerships with countries such as China and Russia as central pillars of the country’s foreign policy and economic strategy. Ghalibaf’s remarks are likely to reinforce perceptions that Tehran sees its long-term future tied to emerging power centres in Asia rather than rapprochement with the West. News18 NewsletterHandpicked stories, in your inboxA newsletter with the best of our journalismLocation :Tehran, IranFirst Published:June 17, 2026, 18:11 ISTNewsworld'China And Iran Are In The Same Bloc': Tehran Courts Beijing As A 'Partner In Every Sense'Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy. Loading comments. . . Read More