China Iran Protests Mediation 2026: Wang Yi Warns Against 'Law of the Jungle'

Tehran's streets are burning, but Beijing sees an opportunity for diplomacy. China has stepped in to mediate the escalating anti-government protests in Iran, warning that the global order mustn't regress to the 'law of the jungle'. As the death toll climbs, Beijing is positioning itself as the key to regional stability.

China Iran Protests Mediation 2026: A Diplomatic Pivot

On January 15, 2026, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to express Beijing's willingness to play a "constructive role" in resolving the crisis. According to the SCMP, these protests are being described as the largest since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Rising Casualties and Claims of Interference

The human cost of the unrest is staggering, with estimated death tolls ranging from 2,000 to 12,000. Araghchi told Wang that while external forces incited the demonstrations, Tehran has stabilized the situation and prepared countermeasures against foreign interference. He emphasized that the door to dialogue remains open, inviting China to increase its role in maintaining regional peace.

Wang voiced confidence in the Iranian government's ability to maintain national stability. He reaffirmed that China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations and stands against any regression to the 'law of the jungle'—a clear critique of unilateral foreign intervention.