Russia and China Push for Sanctions Relief for Iran Amidst Ongoing Nuclear Diplomacy

Russia and China urged the removal of sanctions on Iran and reiterated their support for Tehran’s assertion that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, according to a joint statement issued after high-level discussions in Beijing on Friday.

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov amid ongoing tensions regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment activities.

The UN’s nuclear watchdog recently indicated that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity, just short of the 90% threshold required for a nuclear weapon.

“The three nations… emphasized the necessity of fully recognizing Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy,” the joint statement noted, while also denouncing “illegal unilateral sanctions.”

Iran’s ambassador to China subsequently characterized the meeting as a “complete success” and mentioned that the countries had resolved to “collaborate in countering” U.S. sanctions.

These discussions took place shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed what he described as U.S. President Donald Trump’s “demands” to engage in negotiations for a new nuclear agreement or face military repercussions.

Since taking office again in January, Trump has reignited his “maximum pressure” strategy against Tehran, intensifying sanctions while advocating for new negotiations. Iran asserts that no agreement can be reached without the lifting of sanctions.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that “diplomatic efforts” concerning Iran’s nuclear program must continue and condemned the sanctions against Tehran as “illegitimate.”

In recent years, Russia and Iran have strengthened their military cooperation, with Tehran supplying drones utilized in the conflict against Ukraine, as both nations contend with Western-imposed sanctions.