“[China also supports Iran’s] efforts to maintain regional peace and stability, and stands ready to maintain close communication with Iran,” Wang said, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
He also described China and Iran as “comprehensive strategic partners” and said China was willing to work with the new Iranian government.
On Sunday, Wang again condemned the assassination, saying it has seriously “infringed on Iran’s sovereignty and directly undermined the process of Gaza ceasefire negotiation”. Hamas-led armed Palestinian groups have been fighting Israel in the Gaza Strip since early October.
According to the ministry, Bagheri said that while Iran was committed to maintaining regional security, it would firmly defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also hoped China would play a bigger role in de-escalating the situation.
Hamas and Iran have blamed Israel for the killing and vowed to retaliate. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death but it previously vowed to eliminate Hamas leaders.
The tensions have added to fears of a wider conflict in the region, prompting China’s embassies in Lebanon and Iran to issue security alerts.
05:08
Palestinian factions agree to end division in pact brokered by China
Palestinian factions agree to end division in pact brokered by China
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also staged a massive drill in the country’s west since Friday.
Wang’s call with Bagheri is one of a series in the past week related to the region.
He had similar conversations with counterparts in Egypt and Jordan on Monday, calling for joint efforts to ease the tension and create conditions for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Beijing has ramped up efforts as a peace broker in the Middle East. A week before the assassination, rival Palestinian factions including Fatah and Hamas signed an agreement in the Chinese capital aimed at resolving divisions and building unity.
Also on Sunday, Pezeshkian nominated Abbas Araqchi, formerly Tehran’s top negotiator in nuclear talks, as the country’s foreign minister.