Deputies of the Foreign Ministers from China, Iran, and Russia gathered in Beijing to assess the developments in Iran’s nuclear program. Following the meeting, the three countries issued a joint statement consisting of 8 points. The statement called for the removal of all unilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the resumption of nuclear negotiations based on “mutual respect.”

During a trilateral meeting in Beijing, Ma Caosu, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of China, Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, and Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, addressed Iran’s nuclear missile program.

After the meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the three countries released an 8-point joint statement. “ILLEGAL SANCTIONS SHOULD BE LIFTED”

The statement highlighted the detailed discussion on nuclear matters and the lifting of U.S. sanctions by China, Iran, and Russia. It emphasized the necessity to remove all illegal and unilateral sanctions. Furthermore, it reiterated that diplomatic and political dialogue based on mutual respect is the only valid and practical way forward. The parties concerned were urged to avoid sanction, pressure, or threat of force by focusing on the root causes of the current situation.

The statement underscored the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and called for creating a conducive environment for diplomatic efforts by avoiding steps that could further escalate the situation.

PEACEFUL PURPOSE EMPHASIZED FOR IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM
The statement stressed the need to respect the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as the cornerstone of the system to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

It was welcomed that China and Russia once again confirmed that Iran’s nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and not aimed at producing nuclear weapons.

The statement also mentioned that the commitment of Iran to fully comply with its obligations under the NPT and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement was positively received.

“RESPECT FOR IRAN’S RIGHTS”

The statement supported Iran’s decision to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and emphasized that as a party to the NPT, Iran’s right to use peaceful nuclear energy should be respected. It also called on all states to refrain from actions that would undermine the IAEA’s impartial and objective work.

TRUMP’S THREAT OF NEGOTIATION WITH IRAN

President Donald Trump claimed to have sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last week, offering negotiations regarding the nuclear program.

Trump stated, “It will be very bad for them if Iran refuses to negotiate. Iran shouldn’t have nuclear weapons. There are other options available.” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on the other hand, stated that as long as there is a “threat,” Iran will not engage in negotiations with the U.S. and will not comply with the U.S.’s “commands.”

In 2015, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions in a deal with the U.S., Russia, China, U.K., France, and Germany. However, Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement during his first presidential term in 2018.