China will host talks with Russia and Iran on Tehran’s nuclear programme amid US pressure for a new deal. The discussions follow a UNSC session focused on Iran’s increasing uranium enrichment, raising concerns among Western nations. Iran remains resistant to negotiations while sanctions persist, complicating the geopolitical context.

China recently announced plans to convene discussions with Russia and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear programme as the United States escalates its pressure on Tehran to negotiate a new agreement. This trilateral meeting will occur in Beijing later this week, immediately following a closed-door session of the United Nations Security Council called by Western nations to address concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities.

The focus on Iran’s nuclear programme has intensified due to renewed US efforts to secure a deal that would prevent Iran from advancing towards nuclear weapon capabilities. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that their deputy foreign ministers will participate in the discussions, which aim to address the nuclear issue as well as the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran.

Iran and Russia have strengthened their ties since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, marked by a strategic cooperation treaty established earlier this year. Both countries maintain positive relations with China, further solidifying their collaborative stance in international matters concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Previously, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov met with Iran’s ambassador, Kazem Jalali, to discuss efforts regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. While Tehran continues to assert it has no intentions of developing nuclear weapons, concerns from Western nations remain pronounced. Former President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had placed stringent limits on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, and launched a campaign of maximum pressure on Tehran.

Trump’s second term has been characterized by a conditional willingness to negotiate a new agreement with Iran, albeit with a backdrop of reinstated aggressive sanctions and threats of military action. Iranian officials have categorically rejected direct negotiations while sanctions persist, with President Masoud Pezeshkian unequivocally stating, “we will not bow in humiliation to anyone.”

A recent letter from Trump, urging negotiations and cautioning against potential military action, has been sent to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that the country is expecting a representative from an Arab nation to deliver this letter. The unfolding diplomatic landscape will see the China-hosted meeting follow a UNSC gathering concerning Iran’s increasing uranium enrichment.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has alarmingly reported a significant acceleration in Iran’s uranium enrichment, nearing weapons-grade levels. As relayed during the closed UNSC session requested by multiple nations, including the US and UK, there are calls for Iran to provide comprehensive information regarding its nuclear programme. Despite a nuclear agreement reached in 2015 with global powers, the departure of the US from the deal in 2018 has seen Iran progressively step back from its commitments, complicating negotiations under the Biden administration.

In summary, the geopolitical landscape surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme is increasingly complex, marked by China’s upcoming trilateral meeting with Russia and Iran amid US pressure. The discussions aim to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and potential sanctions relief. Tensions remain high as Iran continues to expedite uranium enrichment, prompting urgent discussions among international powers. The future of nuclear negotiations hangs in balance, influenced by past agreements and current diplomatic efforts.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

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