Beijing, China—In a rare display of unity, China, Russia, and Iran have come together to call for an end to illegal unilateral sanctions, urging nations to prioritize diplomacy over pressure tactics.
Senior diplomats from the three countries met in Beijing on Friday to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program. The meeting was chaired by China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, alongside Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
“We believe it’s crucial to eliminate the root causes of the current situation,” Ma said during a press briefing. “Sanctions and threats of force only escalate tensions. Diplomatic efforts are the way forward.”
The diplomats emphasized the importance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorses the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. They called on all parties to avoid actions that could worsen the situation and to create a favorable environment for dialogue.
The trio also reaffirmed their commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy. China and Russia welcomed Iran’s assurance that its nuclear program is peaceful and its commitment to the NPT.
“As a signatory of the NPT, Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear energy,” Ma stated. “We support Iran’s continued cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
Ma added that China will “maintain an objective and impartial stance” and will “actively promote peace and dialogue” to find a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
Both Iran and Russia expressed appreciation for China’s efforts in hosting the meeting. They praised China’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue.
The 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saw Iran agree to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to reduce its commitments under the deal.
The three nations are now calling for a revival of diplomatic efforts to restore the agreement and ease tensions in the region.
