China, Russia, and Iran have jointly called for an end to U.S. sanctions on Iran and a resumption of nuclear negotiations, emphasizing the need for political engagement. These developments follow increasing tensions and Iran’s advancements in uranium enrichment, which pose challenges to international diplomacy in the region.

On Friday, representatives from China, Russia, and Iran united in their call to terminate U.S. sanctions on Iran, advocating for the resumption of multinational nuclear talks. This appeal follows a letter sent by U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran’s supreme leader, aimed at renewing negotiations amidst ongoing sanctions as part of his “maximum pressure” campaign.

In a joint statement, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu highlighted the importance of ending all unilateral sanctions, supported by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. They asserted, “political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect remain the only viable and practical option.”

Later that day, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was scheduled to meet with the representatives. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed his disdain for negotiations with what he termed a “bullying government,” although there are mixed signals from Iranian officials regarding the possibility of dialogue. A letter from Trump to Khamenei in 2019 did not help ease tensions.

China and Russia, as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council alongside France and Britain, participated in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which the U.S. withdrew from in 2018. This withdrawal instigated a series of conflicts in the Middle East, with China and Russia cultivating favorable relations with Iran through energy agreements. Notably, Iran has supplied drones to Russia amid its conflict with Ukraine, marking a collaborative effort against the influence of the U.S. and other democratic nations.

While Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful, its officials threaten the pursuit of nuclear weapon capabilities. Currently, Iran is enriching uranium to levels near weapons-grade, reaching up to 60% purity, a stark contrast to the 3.67% permitted under the original 2015 agreement. Recent reports indicate Iran’s uranium stockpile has escalated to over 8,290 kilograms, significantly exceeding the previous limits.

Although Iran has maintained it will not negotiate under pressure, the harsh U.S. sanctions have severely impacted its economy, resulting in ongoing protests regarding various issues including women’s rights and governmental structure. Notably, China has been increasing its involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy, previously facilitating the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

In conclusion, the calls for the cessation of U.S. sanctions and the restart of nuclear negotiations highlight the persistent geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The collaboration between China, Russia, and Iran is entrenched in mutual interests and poses a challenge to U.S. influence in the region. Furthermore, Iran’s advancements in uranium enrichment and the socio-economic challenges it faces underscore the complexities of achieving a diplomatic resolution.

Original Source: www.ksat.com

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