Diplomatic efforts on Iran's nuclear program resume in Beijing

Diplomats from Iran, Russia, and China have gathered in Beijing to discuss Tehran's nuclear program, aiming to revive negotiations after years of stagnation. According to Chinese state media, the three nations seek a diplomatic resolution to the issue.

Ahead of the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged restraint, emphasizing that all parties should avoid escalating tensions or provoking conflict. The meeting was attended by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. The diplomats exchanged views on the nuclear issue and other matters of mutual interest.

The discussions take place against the backdrop of the 2018 withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement. Under this pact, Iran had committed to limiting its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, after former U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned the deal, Tehran gradually reduced its compliance.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has made overtures to restart talks with Iran. This week, he sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing new negotiations while also asserting the U.S.'s right to take military action if necessary. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian firmly rejected talks under threats, stating that Iran would not bow to U.S. pressure.

Tensions have further escalated as the U.S., along with five other members of the UN Security Council, held a closed-door meeting to discuss Iran’s nuclear activities. Tehran condemned the gathering as an abuse of the UN platform. Additionally, Iran criticized Washington for imposing new sanctions on its oil minister, calling it a sign of continued hostility.

Despite Iranian leaders insisting that their country neither possesses nor seeks nuclear weapons, a recent report by the International Atomic Energy Agency indicated that Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is nearing the threshold required for a nuclear bomb.