Updated

China's special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, said China is willing to pursue stronger ties with Iran in talks with Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. A readout from China's foreign ministry on Monday said Zhai met Kani in Iran. Zhai is visiting Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia this month as China steps up efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East. The readout did not describe any specific agreements.