China is set to host trilateral talks among Russia, Iran, and itself regarding Tehran’s nuclear program this Friday, as confirmed by the Chinese foreign ministry. This significant diplomatic engagement is intended to allow the three nations to exchange views on Iran’s nuclear issue, along with other topics of mutual interest.
The talks will feature key officials from each country. China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will represent Beijing, while Russia will be represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, and Iran by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
The backdrop for these discussions lies in the complexities surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The situation intensified when the United States, under then-President Donald Trump, withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Following the U.S. exit, Iran initially adhered to the agreement but progressively began to roll back its commitments, leading to a deadlock in negotiations to revive the pact.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the upcoming discussions and underscored that the agenda would focus on developments related to Iran’s nuclear activities and the pressing issue of sanctions relief. Additionally, he noted that the meeting would extend to other topics of shared concern for the three nations, including regional and international developments.
The talks will also explore the potential for enhanced cooperation through international platforms, specifically within the frameworks of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This trilateral dialogue represents an important step for the involved parties, highlighting their commitment to navigating the complexities of the Iranian nuclear issue while strengthening their collaborative ties.