China and Russia have expressed support for Iran following U.S. demands for nuclear negotiations, emphasizing that discussions should resume based on mutual respect and the lifting of sanctions. In a joint statement after talks in Beijing, the nations highlighted Iran’s assertion that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and stressed that Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy should be fully respected.
The 2015 nuclear deal, from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018 under President Donald Trump, had seen Iran limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump recently renewed his “maximum pressure” campaign, aiming to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero to prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to Trump’s overtures by stating that Iran would not negotiate under threats, asserting that the nation would not bow to U.S. “orders” to talk. Tehran also criticized a closed-door meeting held by six U.N. Security Council members discussing its nuclear program, labeling it a “misuse” of the council.
China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu reiterated the necessity of ending all unlawful unilateral sanctions and emphasized that relevant parties should address the root causes of the current situation by abandoning sanctions, pressure, or threats of force.
Despite Iran’s defiant stance, some officials suggest that engaging with the U.S. could be pragmatic, considering the economic hardships imposed by sanctions and the potential for public unrest.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported last month that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to 60% purity, approaching the 90% needed for a nuclear weapon. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and remains under IAEA surveillance.
China and Russia’s support for Iran underscores their shared interest in reducing U.S. influence and reflects their strong ties with Tehran. China, in particular, has sought to increase its involvement in Middle Eastern affairs, recently facilitating the restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
