China and Russia joined Iran on Friday in calling for an end to Western sanctions following President Trump's recent proposal for nuclear negotiations with Tehran. Both countries condemned the "threat of force" associated with the U.S. stance.
During discussions in Beijing with the deputy foreign ministers of Russia and Iran regarding Iran's nuclear program, the Chinese government stated that the three nations agreed on the necessity for all parties to "abandon sanctions, pressure, and threats of force." This statement appeared to respond to Trump's overtures toward Iran, where he indicated he had sent a letter to the Iranian government seeking negotiations to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, he warned that Iran would need to choose between limiting its nuclear program and facing military action.
The meeting reflects Beijing's growing alignment with Moscow and Tehran, as well as its ambition to play a significant role in international disputes. Earlier in the week, the three countries conducted joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman.
China and Russia's current approach to Iran contrasts sharply with their stance a decade ago. In 2015, they insisted on reaching a deal with Iran to halt its nuclear weapons program before lifting sanctions, with Russia even taking a substantial portion of Iran's nuclear fuel stockpile as part of that agreement.
While the United States is applying maximum political pressure and threatening military action, China and Russia are advocating for a more cooperative approach. This divergence among major powers may provide Iran with greater diplomatic flexibility.
Experts suggest that Russia and China are signaling to other nations that alternatives to U.S. global leadership exist, portraying themselves as responsible actors capable of addressing significant global challenges, such as nuclear proliferation.
The most alarming aspect of Iran's nuclear program is its production of material enriched to 60 percent purity, nearing bomb-grade levels. Experts estimate that Iran may have enough material for approximately six nuclear weapons, with the potential to convert it to the 90 percent purity required for large-scale nuclear detonations within a week.
China and Russia did not propose a plan to reduce the purity of Iran's nuclear material or address the installation of advanced centrifuges, which would increase Iran's stockpile of enriched material. The Iranian government announced plans to operate advanced centrifuges to enrich more uranium, bringing it closer to nuclear weapon capability.
China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, presented a five-point plan addressing Iran's nuclear program, advocating for an end to sanctions while urging Iran to adhere to its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. Beijing aims to demonstrate its commitment to international agreements, contrasting with the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Agreement.
The message also conveys solidarity with Iran, suggesting that despite U.S. pressure, Iran will maintain support from allies as long as it upholds its commitments. Iran's supreme leader recently criticized "bullying governments" and appeared to resist negotiations with the United States.
While China and Russia's backing may reduce Iran's sense of isolation, Tehran remains cautious about their involvement in negotiations, fearing potential betrayal by Moscow in a broader U.S.-Russia agreement.
China wields significant influence over Iran, having purchased over 90 percent of Iran's oil exports last year, often at discounted rates. Most other nations have avoided buying Iranian oil to comply with Western sanctions aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear weapons development. Sales from Iran's state oil company to China account for about 6 percent of Iran's economy, equating to half of the country's government spending.