Tehran: Iran's special representative for China affairs, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasized that Iran and China will be integral components of any future regional or international blocs. He described the two nations as strategic partners during a meeting with the Iran Chamber of Commerce focused on enhancing sustainable economic cooperation between Tehran and Beijing.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ghalibaf highlighted China's unique role in Iran's foreign and economic policy, stating, "China is unique for Iran, and China must also believe that we are not merely a customer or a commercial counterpart. We are truly a partner in every sense with China." He called for the development of new forms of cooperation and regional groupings, asserting that such alliances are already beginning to form.

Ghalibaf assured that the inclusion of both Iran and China in any emerging bloc is inevitable. He further revealed that the two countries would actively work towards establishing blocs that include the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.