China, Russia, and Iran on Friday called on the international community to end “illegal unilateral sanctions, pressure tactics, and threats of force’ and instead commit to addressing the ‘root causes’ of the Iranian nuclear issue.
During a meeting in Beijing, said Chinese state media, the three nations reaffirmed the significance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, a resolution adopted just days after the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which set guidelines for its implementation, including lifting certain sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear program.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, who chaired the meeting, said the three nations urged relevant countries to stop ‘escalating the situation’ and instead foster a positive environment for diplomatic efforts.
The meeting was attended by Ma, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
Following the talks, the three nations issued a joint statement calling for an end to all “illegal unilateral sanctions” and reaffirmed their support for political and diplomatic dialogue based on mutual respect.
They also underscored the importance of the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
China and Russia welcomed Iran’s assurances on the ‘peaceful nature’ of its nuclear program and its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. They further stressed the need to respect ‘Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.’
‘The situation surrounding the Iran nuclear issue is grave, once again reaching a critical crossroads. The Beijing meeting was a constructive effort by China, Russia, and Iran to promote a political resolution,’ Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference.
A day before the trilateral meeting, Ma held talks with Gharibabadi, reportedly engaging in an in-depth discussion on the Iranian nuclear issue and reaffirming China’s ‘objective and fair stance.’
Last week, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tehran would not be pressured into negotiations after US President Donald Trump said he had sent a letter urging Iran to engage in talks on a new nuclear deal, after Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the original deal in 2018.
