China is set to host a trilateral meeting in Beijing on Friday, bringing together representatives from Russia and Iran to address the ongoing Iranian nuclear issue, as confirmed by China’s Foreign Ministry.
The discussions will involve Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu leading the talks.
The timing of this meeting aligns with a closed-door session at the United Nations Security Council in New York, where Iran’s nuclear program is under scrutiny. Concerns have grown globally over Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities, which have reportedly reached levels close to weapons-grade purity.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has highlighted a “dramatic” increase in Iran’s uranium enrichment, now nearing 60% purity—far exceeding the 3.67% limit established under the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
China, a consistent supporter of Iran’s position on nuclear rights, has advocated for the revival of nuclear negotiations. The upcoming meeting aims to facilitate dialogue among the parties to explore potential solutions to the escalating situation.
The JCPOA has faced significant challenges since the US withdrew from the agreement in 2018 during the Trump administration. Following the withdrawal, Iran has progressively scaled back its commitments under the deal, further intensifying regional tensions.
In a recent statement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran would not engage in negotiations with the US under threat. According to Iranian state media, Pezeshkian declared, “It is unacceptable for us that they (the US) give orders and make threats. I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei echoed this sentiment, stating that Tehran would not be coerced into talks. This came after former US President Donald Trump claimed to have sent a letter urging Iran to discuss a new nuclear agreement.
Meanwhile, military cooperation among Iran, China, and Russia continues to strengthen. The three nations recently launched their annual joint naval exercises, dubbed “Security Belt-2025,” in the Gulf of Oman. The drills, held near the Iranian port of Chabahar, mark the fifth iteration of such exercises since 2019, as reported by Chinese state media.
This trilateral meeting underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and the broader implications for regional and global security.
