Ministers from Iran, China and Russia met in Beijing on Friday, calling for an end to U.S. sanctions on Iran and the resumption of nuclear negotiations. The move comes after President Donald Trump attempted to engage Iran’s Supreme Leader through a private letter, which was met with resistance from Tehran.
The talks highlight growing cooperation between China, Russia, and Iran, who criticized Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign that includes economic sanctions and potential military strikes.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The meeting underscores a shift in global alliances as Beijing and Moscow bolster their support for Tehran. China and Russia have expanded their ties with Iran through energy partnerships and military cooperation, including Iran’s supply of armed drones to Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Iran’s nuclear program has advanced significantly since Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal, fueling concerns about potential weapons development. Tehran says that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
What To Know
During the meeting, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, alongside Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, called for an end to what they described as “unlawful unilateral sanctions.” The three countries reaffirmed their commitment to diplomatic engagement based on “mutual respect.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to meet with the delegation later in the day, signaling Beijing’s increasing role in Middle Eastern affairs. Last year, China hosted talks leading to the restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, reinforcing its diplomatic ambitions in the region.
Trump Downplays Beijing Summit
Trump, speaking from the Oval Office on Thursday, downplayed the nuclear summit In Beijing, “well, maybe they’re going to talk about non-nuclear problems,” Trump told reporters.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a new round of sanctions against Iran on Thursday targeting its oil minister. The fresh sanctions also target some Hong Kong-flagged vessels that are part of a shadow fleet that helps disguise Iranian oil shipments.
Iran Rejects U.S. Overtures
Earlier this week, Trump sent a letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for new nuclear talks while emphasizing that the U.S. reserved the right to take military action against Iran’s nuclear program if necessary.
So far, Iranian officials have sent mixed signals, with Khamenei outright rejecting U.S. engagement, stating he has no interest in negotiating with a “bullying government.”
What People Are Saying
U.S. President Donald Trump said: “Well, maybe they’re going to talk about non-nuclear problems. Maybe they’re going to be talking about the de-escalation of nuclear weapons.”
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated: “In the current situation, we believe that all parties should maintain calm and restraint to avoid escalating the Iran nuclear situation, or even walking towards confrontation and conflict.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson called the new U.S. sanctions: “Another clear proof of the falsity of these statements and another sign of its hostility to development.”
What Happens Next
With neither side showing signs of compromise, tensions over Iran’s nuclear program are expected to escalate. U.S. sanctions continue to cripple Iran’s economy, putting increasing pressure on its leadership while Tehran remains defiant. At the same time, China and Russia’s support for Iran underscores a shifting global power dynamic, as both nations position themselves in direct opposition to U.S. influence.
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