China Implores Iran to Avoid Conflict as Tensions Continue to Rise Over Its Nuclear Programme Affair
As tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions continue to escalate, China has signaled its intention to urge Tehran to avoid conflict ahead of a trilateral meeting with Russia and Iran scheduled for Friday. The meeting underscores China’s growing efforts to assert itself as a diplomatic power in global affairs.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the need for calm and restraint from all parties involved. “In the current situation, we believe that all parties should maintain calm and restraint to avoid escalating the Iran nuclear situation or walking towards confrontation and conflict,” Mao said.
The upcoming talks will be chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also in attendance. While the details of the agenda remain undisclosed, the discussions are expected to focus on reviving diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s nuclear activities have come under increased scrutiny following the United States’ withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term. Since then, Washington has adopted a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, seeking to limit Tehran’s nuclear capabilities and regional influence through renewed sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
Russian officials have voiced support for restoring the original JCPOA agreement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently reiterated Moscow’s position, stating, “We are in favor of restoring the original program from which the Americans dropped during the first Trump government.” However, Lavrov also expressed concerns over Washington’s insistence on attaching political conditions to any future deal, including restrictions on Iran’s regional support networks-demands he described as unfeasible.
China has echoed similar sentiments, calling for increased mutual trust and a focus on restarting dialogue. “China sincerely hopes that all parties can work together, continuously increase mutual trust and dispel misgivings, and turn the momentum of restarting dialogue and negotiation into reality at an early date,” Mao added.
The upcoming meeting follows a closed-door session of the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, where members expressed concerns over Iran’s growing stockpile of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China has urged caution against ramping up pressure on Iran. China’s United Nations envoy, Fu Cong, remarked, “Applying maximum pressure on a particular country will not yield the desired outcome.”
In recent months, Beijing has also played a significant role in facilitating diplomatic engagements in the Middle East, notably mediating the restoration of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023. Meanwhile, Russia has offered to mediate between the United States and Iran on the nuclear issue, further solidifying its role as a key player in the region’s geopolitical landscape.
As the trilateral talks approach, the international community remains watchful of China’s growing diplomatic influence and the potential for renewed efforts to stabilize the Iran nuclear situation.
Source: Iran International English.
