China Hosts Diplomatic Talks to Revitalize Iran Nuclear Negotiations

China hosted talks between Iranian and Russian diplomats to revive negotiations on Iran’s nuclear agenda. The discussions occur amidst heightened tensions and U.S. sanctions, following the withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. While the U.N. has indicated Iran’s uranium stockpile has significantly increased, Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, emphasizing the necessity of lifting sanctions for meaningful negotiations.

On Friday, China facilitated discussions among diplomats from Russia and Iran, aiming to rejuvenate long-stalled negotiations surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program. This initiative follows the United States’ withdrawal from the 2015 agreement, which had aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief during the presidency of Donald Trump.

Since President Biden assumed office, he has advocated for a new agreement with Iran, although Tehran maintains that no deal can occur without the removal of existing sanctions. The urgency for a new pact intensified following a recent report from the U.N. nuclear agency highlighting Iran’s significant accumulation of enriched uranium.

Chinese authorities expressed hope that the talks would enhance communication and coordination, fostering a swift return to dialogue. A report from Chinese state broadcaster CCTV indicated the three diplomats discussed the nuclear issue and other mutual concerns without revealing further details of their conversations.

Attending the meeting were Vice Foreign Minister of China, Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. Concurrently, President Trump reiterated his sanction strategy against Iran, urging for renewed nuclear discussions amid warnings of potential military actions if Iran does not comply.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, asserted that the United States needs to lift sanctions to facilitate equitable negotiations. He emphasized that direct talks would commence only when both parties are on equal ground, devoid of coercion and with guaranteed national interests.

On the same day, Washington escalated its pressure against Iran by imposing new sanctions on Iranian Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad and targeting those involved in the transport of Iranian oil to China. Moreover, a recent IAEA report indicated that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium had increased to 60% purity, nearing the 90% required for nuclear weaponry, despite Iran’s assertion that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, as stated by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

In summary, China’s diplomatic initiative seeks to address the stalled negotiations related to Iran’s nuclear development amid heightened tensions and sanctions from the United States. The urgency of the situation has prompted discussions among key diplomats, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and equal negotiation framework. However, with ongoing sanctions and military threats, the path towards a viable agreement remains complex and fraught with challenges.

Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com