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China called for the removal of “illegal” sanctions on Iran as it hosted key talks with diplomats from Iran and Russia on Friday, aiming to revive stalled negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The discussions, led by China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, focused on resolving the nuclear issue and other shared concerns, according to Chinese state media.
The United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal during Donald Trump’s first term, which had imposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, the US has reinstated a policy of “maximum pressure,” including harsh sanctions on Iran. Tehran, however, has made it clear that it will not enter into any new agreement unless these sanctions are lifted.
The urgency of the talks has grown, particularly after the UN’s nuclear watchdog reported that Iran had increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Ma emphasised China’s commitment to diplomacy, urging an end to sanctions and the use of force. “The relevant parties should work to eliminate the root causes of the current situation and abandon sanctions, pressure, and threats of the use of force,” Ma said during a press conference following the talks.
The discussions come as tensions escalate, with the US sending a letter to Iran urging nuclear talks and warning of potential military action if Iran refuses to engage. In response, Tehran has stated that any talks must be based on equality, free of external pressures.
The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency reported last month that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity is nearing the threshold required for nuclear weapons. However, Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have reiterated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
