A trilateral meeting held in Beijing has sparked a renewed call from China, Russia, and Iran for the United States and its allies to end the sanctions imposed on Tehran regarding its nuclear enrichment activities. This diplomatic effort coincides with recent communications from former President Donald Trump, who reached out to Iran’s supreme leader in a bid to rekindle discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear developments.
Diplomatic dialogues and sanctions
During the meeting on Friday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu engaged in discussions with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazoo Gharibabadi. The trio collectively condemned the U.S. sanctions on Iran, issuing a joint statement that emphasized the need for their elimination.
This diplomatic engagement follows Trump’s communication with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aimed at reviving negotiations to address the escalating concerns surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program. However, Khamenei has publicly dismissed Trump’s overture, expressing a lack of interest in negotiations with a “bullying government.” Despite this, Iran’s willingness to collaborate with China and Russia in advocating for the lifting of sanctions appears to contradict Khamenei’s hardline position.
Strategic alliances and historical context
The relationships among China, Russia, and Iran have strengthened through various energy agreements, and Iran has also supplied Russia with drone technology amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Notably, all three nations are members of the BRICS alliance, which fosters economic and political collaboration.
Furthermore, both China and Russia were integral to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which aimed to curtail Iran’s nuclear enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. This agreement was ultimately undermined when Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal during his first term, citing it as a “bad deal.” The current climate of negotiations and international relations continues to evolve as these nations navigate their strategic interests.