China, Russia, Iran Call to End U.S. Sanctions, Restart Nuclear Talks

The letter, which has not been released, was sent amid new U.S. sanctions as part of Trump's “maximum pressure” campaign. This approach signals the possibility of military action while also expressing hope for a new deal.

China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, reading from a joint statement, emphasized the need to lift all “unlawful unilateral sanctions.” He was joined by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.

The statement reinforced that diplomatic engagement and mutual respect remain the only viable path forward. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China's commitment to a peaceful resolution and its opposition to “illegal” sanctions, as reported by Xinhua News Agency. He also reaffirmed China’s support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal, as the basis for a new consensus.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed Trump’s outreach, citing reluctance to negotiate with a "bullying government." However, Iranian officials have given mixed signals about the possibility of talks. Despite Khamenei’s dismissals, Trump’s 2019 letter to Khamenei had no significant impact on tensions.

China and Russia, both permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, were part of the 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump withdrew from in 2018, leading to rising tensions. Both nations maintain close relations with Iran, particularly in energy deals, and have mutual interests in limiting U.S. influence globally.

Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, but its increasing enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels (60%) has raised concerns. Under the 2015 deal, Iran’s uranium enrichment was capped at 3.67%, with a stockpile limit of 300 kg. As of the last International Atomic Energy Agency report, Iran’s stockpile had surged to over 8,000 kg, with a significant portion enriched to 60%.

While Iran insists it won’t negotiate under pressure, the country has suffered from severe economic challenges due to U.S. sanctions, alongside protests over women’s rights, economic issues, and government policies.

China has also sought a more prominent role in Middle Eastern diplomacy, exemplified by its role in brokering the recent restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran.