China, Russia, and Iran Issue Joint Call: “Remove Unilateral Sanctions”
Deputy Foreign Ministers of China, Iran, and Russia gathered in Beijing to discuss developments in Iran’s nuclear program. Following the meeting, the three countries released a joint statement consisting of 8 points. The statement called for the removal of all unilateral sanctions imposed by the US and the resumption of nuclear negotiations on the basis of “mutual respect.”
Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Caoşu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazım Garibabadi held a trilateral meeting in Beijing, the capital of China, to address Iran’s nuclear missile program.
After the meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the three countries issued an 8-point joint statement. “ILLEGAL SANCTIONS SHOULD BE REMOVED”
The statement highlighted that China, Iran, and Russia thoroughly discussed the current status of nuclear affairs and the lifting of US sanctions. It emphasized the necessity of removing all illegal and unilateral sanctions. Furthermore, it reiterated that diplomatic and political dialogue based on mutual respect is the only valid and implementable way in this matter. The parties were urged to avoid sanctions, pressure, or the threat of force by focusing on the root causes of the existing situation.
The statement underscored the significance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, stating that the relevant parties should create an appropriate environment for diplomatic efforts by refraining from further escalating the situation.
PEACEFUL PURPOSE EMPHASIZED FOR IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM
The statement stressed the necessity of respecting the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of the system to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
It was noted with satisfaction that China and Russia once again reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and not aimed at developing nuclear weapons.
Additionally, the statement expressed positivity towards Iran’s commitment to fully comply with its obligations under the NPT and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
“RESPECT IRAN’S RIGHTS”
The statement supported Iran’s decision to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and highlighted the importance of respecting the country’s right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as a party to the NPT. It also emphasized that all states should refrain from taking steps that undermine the impartial and objective work of the IAEA.
TRUMP’S NEGOTIATION THREAT TO IRAN
US President Donald Trump recently stated that he sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei offering negotiations regarding the nuclear program. Trump mentioned that it would be “very bad” for Iran if they refuse to engage in negotiations, asserting that Iran should not have nuclear weapons, indicating that there are other options available. However, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani declared that as long as there are “threats,” Iran will not engage in negotiations with the US and will not bow to the US’s “orders.”
In 2015, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for lifting international sanctions in a deal with the US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany. Nevertheless, Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement during his first presidential term in 2018.
