China, Russia and Iran insist on ending any unilateral sanctions, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said following a trilateral meeting in Beijing on the Iranian nuclear issue on Friday.
China’s deputy foreign minister said:
“China, Russia and Iran have emphasised the need to end any illegal unilateral sanctions. The three countries recall the importance of UNSC Resolution 2231, call on relevant parties to promote not to escalate the situation but to create favourable conditions for diplomatic efforts.”
Following the meeting, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov together with their Chinese counterpart Ma Zhaoxu emphasised that “diplomatic relations based on mutual respect are the only effective solution.”
The meeting also called on all countries not to obstruct the IAEA’s work. The joint statement noted that China and Russia welcomed Iran’s statements that Iran’s nuclear programme pursues only peaceful goals.
In 2015, the six international mediators (UK, China, France, Germany, Russia, Russia, US) and Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which implied the lifting of sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear programme.
In May 2018, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal and reinstated unilateral anti-Iran sanctions. In response, Tehran began phasing out its commitments to curb its nuclear programme under the agreement.
In February 2025, Trump signed an executive order reinstating a policy of maximum pressure on Iran. Trump has stated that he does not intend to bring the matter to an armed confrontation with Iran and would like to conclude an agreement with Tehran on the Iranian nuclear issue to avoid a confrontation.
