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Iranian Officials Discuss Nuclear Program with China and Russia

Iran, China, and Russia officials convened in Beijing to discuss the Iranian nuclear program and reaffirm the 2015 JCPOA amidst U.S. pressures. Experts emphasize the urgency for negotiations as deadlines approach and geopolitical tensions rise, with an emphasis on diplomatic dialogue and the need to coordinate positions among these nations before engaging with the West.

In a recent meeting in Beijing, officials from Iran, China, and Russia convened to discuss Iran’s nuclear program amidst increasing U.S. pressure and a changing international landscape. The gathering included China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who emphasized the necessity for diplomatic dialogue, asserting, “political and diplomatic dialogue based on mutual respect is the only effective and practical option.”

The officials reaffirmed support for the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which facilitates Iran’s nuclear program limitations in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 reimposed sanctions, undermining the potential benefits for Iran. Wu Bingbing from Peking University highlighted that the agreement was meant to allow Iran to develop nuclear energy peacefully while supporting nuclear non-proliferation.

Experts warn that the timeline for negotiations is becoming urgent. Zhao Tong from the Carnegie Endowment noted the imminent deadline for the snapback of sanctions if a new agreement is not reached. Also, heightened tensions, including recent Israeli military actions against Iranian facilities, pose increasing risks.

China, Russia, and Iran align strategically as they navigate complex relations with the U.S., which is concurrently engaged in negotiations with Russia regarding Ukraine while managing tensions with China. Zhao observed that these nations have a vested interest in coordinating their approaches before addressing Western powers.

The meeting among Iranian, Chinese, and Russian officials reflects a concerted effort to reaffirm support for the JCPOA amidst pressures from the United States. The imminent deadlines and heightened geopolitical tensions add urgency to their negotiations. Additionally, the strategic alignment of China, Russia, and Iran manifests in a mutual interest to address the nuclear issue collaboratively, potentially reshaping international diplomatic dynamics.

Original Source: news.wjct.org

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