China and Russia Support Iran’s Continued Cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency

Afghan Voice News Agency (AVA), International Service: This morning (14 March), a trilateral meeting between the Islamic Republic of Iran, the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation was held in Beijing with the presence of the deputy foreign ministers of the three countries.

 

The meeting was chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Mao Zhoushu, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov were also present.

 

At the meeting, the parties reviewed the latest status of Iran’s nuclear file, the process of lifting sanctions and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and at the end, issued a joint statement.

 

In this statement, the three countries stressed the need to lift all unilateral and illegal sanctions against Iran. 

 

These countries stated that diplomatic engagements and dialogue based on mutual respect are the only effective and practical solution to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.

 

While calling for the avoidance of sanctions, pressure and threats of force by Western parties, China and Russia emphasized the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and adherence to its provisions.

 

 

China and Russia also welcomed Iran’s re-affirmation that its nuclear program is peaceful and Tehran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). They also supported Iran’s continued cooperation with the IAEA and called for avoiding any action that would undermine the agency’s impartiality and technical activities.

 

Iran and Russia finally appreciated China’s constructive role in hosting the meeting. The three countries agreed to continue their regular consultations and strengthen joint cooperation within the framework of multilateral institutions such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS.

Analysis:

The Beijing trilateral meeting is being held at a time when Iran’s nuclear negotiations with world powers are still at a standstill. China and Russia’s open support for Iran’s policy of cooperation with the IAEA is a clear message to the West, especially the United States and the three European countries, which have always accused Iran of reducing transparency in its nuclear program.

 

On the other hand, the three countries’ emphasis on lifting unilateral sanctions and opposing political pressure shows that the anti-sanctions coalition of Iran, Russia and China is becoming consolidated. This alliance could be a trump card for Iran against Western pressure in the IAEA and the Security Council.

 

Also, the coincidence of this meeting with new movements in the region and increased media pressure on Iran’s nuclear program indicates Tehran’s efforts to maintain the strategic support of its eastern partners and increase its bargaining power at the international level.