Beijing to host key nuclear talks between China, Russia and Iran

China will host talks in Beijing on Friday with Russia and Iran to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry.

The meeting will see the participation of Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu chairing the discussions.

The timing of the meeting coincides with a closed-door session at the United Nations Security Council in New York on Iran’s nuclear programme, which has raised growing concerns over Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities.

This meeting comes as tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions continue to escalate. Iran’s stockpiles of uranium have reportedly reached levels nearing weapons-grade purity, which has raised alarms internationally.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has flagged the “dramatic” acceleration in Iran’s uranium enrichment, which is now approaching 60% purity – well above the 3.67% limit set in the 2015 nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

China, which has long backed Tehran’s stance on nuclear rights, has expressed its support for the resumption of the nuclear talks. The meeting will provide an opportunity for all parties to exchange views on ways to address the situation.

The US’s withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, during President Donald Trump’s administration, left the deal in disarray. Since then, Iran has gradually reduced its commitments to the deal, a move that has stoked further tensions in the region.

Earlier, President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would not negotiate with the US while being threatened, telling President Donald Trump to “do whatever the hell you want”, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday.

“It is unacceptable for us that they (the US) give orders and make threats. I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want”, state media quoted Pezeshkian as saying.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that Tehran would not be bullied into negotiations, a day after Trump said he had sent a letter urging Iran to engage in talks on a new nuclear deal.

Previously warships from Iran, China, and Russia began their annual joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, underscoring the strengthening military ties between the three nations.

The exercises, dubbed “Security Belt-2025,” are being held near the Iranian port of Chabahar and mark the fifth such drill since 2019, according to Chinese state media.