Archive · 2 Sep 2026
US and China Hold Quiet Talks Over Iran Conflict
The United States and China talked privately about Iran during a G20 meeting.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the two countries may agree on more about Iran than they disagree on.
These talks happened while fighting between the United States and Iran was getting worse.
The United States carried out airstrikes on Iran.
Iran then retaliated.
The fighting pushed energy prices higher around the world.
It also created more political pressure on Donald Trump inside the United States.
The article asks whether the conflict could bring the United States and China closer together.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States and China held “quiet conversations” about Iran.
The discussions took place during the G20 meeting in Asheville, North Carolina.
Bessent said Washington and Beijing have “more in common than differences” regarding Iran.
His comments followed U.S. airstrikes on Iran and Iranian retaliation.
The escalating conflict has raised global energy prices and increased pressure on Donald Trump at home.
- Who
- The United States, China, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Iran, and Donald Trump.
- What
- The United States and China held “quiet conversations” about Iran, according to Bessent.
- When
- During the G20 meeting, as the latest Iran fighting was escalating.
- Where
- Asheville, North Carolina.
- Why
- The talks occurred amid an escalating Iran conflict that involved U.S. airstrikes and Iranian retaliation.
- U.S. official
- Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary
- Discussion partners
- The United States and China
- Subject
- Iran and the escalating conflict
- Meeting
- G20 meeting
- Location
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Bessent's assessment
- The countries have “more in common than differences” regarding Iran
- Reported effects
- Higher global energy prices and increased pressure on Donald Trump at home