Representatives from China, Russia, and Iran have called for an end to US sanctions on Iran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program, with the three countries stating that diplomatic engagement is the only viable option. The call comes after US President Donald Trump wrote to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an attempt to jumpstart talks.
The joint statement, issued by China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich, emphasized the need for terminating all “unlawful unilateral sanctions” on Iran. The countries reiterated their commitment to peaceful dialogue and mutual respect as the basis for new consensus.
China has reaffirmed its support for a peaceful settlement in the region, while expressing opposition to “illegal” US sanctions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China remains committed to the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which outlines the nuclear deal between Iran and six major countries.
The renewed call for diplomatic engagement comes as tensions between Iran and the US continue to rise, with Iranian officials offering conflicting signals over the possibility of negotiations. The JCPOA, signed in 2015, was initially agreed upon by Iran and six world powers – the US, Russia, China, Britain, France, and Germany.
However, Trump withdrew the US from the accord in 2018, sparking a decade-long crisis in the Middle East. China and Russia have since strengthened ties with Iran through energy deals and military cooperation, including providing Russia with bomb-carrying drones.
Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, but has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels of 60%, raising concerns about its intentions. The country’s economy has suffered significantly under US sanctions, leading to widespread protests over human rights and economic issues.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/china-russia-and-iran-call-for-end-to-u-s-sanctions-on-iran-and-restart-of-nuclear-talks