Beijing: Diplomats from Iran, Russia, and China convened in Beijing for discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, with hopes of reviving negotiations that have been stalled for years.
According to Chinese state media on Friday, the three nations are seeking a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing nuclear issue. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, emphasized the importance of maintaining stability, urging all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions or lead to conflict.
The high-level meeting was attended by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. The officials exchanged views on Iran’s nuclear situation and other regional matters of shared concern.
The 2015 nuclear agreement, originally brokered between Iran and world powers—including the US, Russia, China, the UK, France, Germany, and the European Union—saw Tehran limit its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. However, in 2018, then-US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal, prompting Iran to gradually step back from its commitments.
The Beijing discussions follow recent attempts by Trump, now in his second term, to restart nuclear negotiations with Iran. Earlier this week, he sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressing a desire to resume talks while simultaneously warning that Washington reserves the right to take military action if necessary.
In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected talks under threats, stating that Tehran would not submit to US demands. Iran further condemned a closed-door meeting held at the United Nations Security Council—attended by six member states, including the US, France, and the UK—calling it an improper use of the council’s platform.
Tensions escalated further on Friday when Iran criticized new US sanctions targeting its oil minister, dismissing them as a sign of Washington’s ongoing hostility.
While Iran insists it does not seek nuclear weapons, a recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report suggested that its enriched uranium stockpile is approaching the level needed for a nuclear bomb, raising further concerns among the international community.
