China, Russia, and Iran advocate for the end of U.S. sanctions on Iran and urge the resumption of nuclear negotiations. This meeting reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts following President Trump’s letter to Iran’s leader, emphasizing dialogue as the only effective approach. Amidst escalating tensions and sanctions, Iran has increased uranium enrichment levels.

On Friday, representatives from China, Russia, and Iran convened to advocate for the cessation of U.S. sanctions against Iran, urging a resumption of multinational discussions regarding Iran’s advancing nuclear program. This meeting reflects ongoing efforts following a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran’s supreme leader aimed at reviving negotiations.

China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, supported by his Russian and Iranian counterparts, stated, “the necessity of terminating all unlawful unilateral sanctions” was emphasized. He also noted that diplomacy and political dialogue, founded on mutual respect, are the only feasible solutions moving forward.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China’s dedication to a peaceful resolution and its opposition to sanctions deemed “illegal.” He affirmed China’s commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal, serving as a foundation for renewed consensus.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump’s overtures as an interest in dealings with a “bullying government,” though Iranian officials have shown inconsistent signals regarding potential negotiations. It is noteworthy that President Trump previously communicated with Khamenei in 2019, but this did not yield positive outcomes amidst escalating tensions.

As permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, China and Russia play a significant role in the context of the original nuclear agreement, from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018, exacerbating tensions in the Middle East. Moreover, they have established strong ties with Iran through energy partnerships, with Iran supplying Russia with drones for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

While asserting the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, Iran has increased uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade levels of 60 percent. The IAEA has documented a significant stockpile of enriched uranium that exceeds the limits set by the JCPOA, currently at 8,294 kilograms.

Despite maintaining that it will not negotiate under pressure, Iran remains affected by the heavy economic toll of U.S. sanctions, leading to various domestic protests over human rights and governmental issues. China has also shown a heightened interest in Middle Eastern diplomacy, recently orchestrating talks that restored diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The call from China, Russia, and Iran for the U.S. to lift sanctions signifies a critical stance against ongoing political pressures related to Iran’s nuclear advancements. The importance of diplomatic dialogue and the risk of escalations in the Middle East underscore the necessity for a renewed engagement in nuclear negotiations to stabilize regional dynamics. As tensions persist, the international community continues to observe developments closely.

Original Source: www.pbs.org

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