On Friday, officials from China, Russia, and Iran called for an end to U.S. sanctions on Iran and urged the restart of nuclear negotiations. The joint statement stressed the need for political dialogue rooted in mutual respect amid rising tensions due to Iran’s advancing nuclear program. Both China and Russia maintain strong ties with Iran, particularly through energy collaboration and military assistance.

On Friday, representatives from China, Russia, and Iran convened to advocate for the cessation of U.S. sanctions on Iran and the resumption of international nuclear discussions. This meeting follows previous diplomatic efforts, including a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader, signaling a desire to rekindle negotiations amid an ongoing campaign of heightened sanctions.

The joint statement, delivered by China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and supported by his counterparts from Russia and Iran, emphasized the urgent need to lift all unilateral sanctions deemed unlawful. They underscored that constructive political dialogue based on mutual respect is essential to resolving the nuclear issue.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was expected to meet with the other representatives later in the day to further discuss these issues. Notably, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly dismissed engagement with what he termed a “bullying government,” though Iranian officials have offered mixed messages regarding future negotiations following Trump’s 2019 correspondence, which did not alleviate rising tensions.

China and Russia, both permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, originally participated in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal alongside Germany and the European Union. After the U.S. exited this agreement in 2018, relations in the region deteriorated, leading to increased military tensions.

Both Beijing and Moscow maintain substantial relationships with Tehran, particularly through energy agreements, and support Iranian military capabilities, as evidenced by Iran supplying drones to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Together, these nations aim to reduce U.S. influence in global affairs, favoring their authoritarian governance models.

Although Iran insists its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, it has also signaled intentions to pursue weapons development. The nation is currently enriching uranium to nearly weapons-grade levels of 60%, a significant deviation from the previous limit of 3.67% under the original nuclear deal. The latest International Atomic Energy Agency report highlighted that Iran’s uranium reserves have surged to over 8,294 kilograms, far exceeding permitted levels.

Despite maintaining that negotiations will not occur under pressure, Iran’s economy has been severely impacted by U.S. sanctions, inciting societal protests over pressing issues such as women’s rights and governance. In contrast, China aims to increase its engagement within Middle Eastern matters, having previously facilitated the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The representatives from China, Russia, and Iran collectively urge for the lifting of U.S. sanctions and the recommencement of nuclear negotiations, highlighting the critical need for diplomatic dialogue. Their relationships with Iran are further influenced by mutual interests in countering U.S. dominance and navigating regional stability. The ongoing developments in Iran’s nuclear program pose significant challenges, raising tensions further as negotiations remain uncertain amidst severe sanctions and internal strife.

Original Source: www.local10.com

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