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Iranian officials have met with their Chinese counterparts in Beijing to discuss the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, the ongoing nuclear talks between the United States and Iran have entered a delicate phase, with both sides claiming that negotiations are progressing positively, yet tensions remain high. The US has opted to prioritize diplomacy over immediate military action—a move reportedly aimed at de-escalation but one that has sparked concern in Israel, where officials worry that prolonged talks could allow Iran to advance its nuclear capabilities unchecked. Despite signaling goodwill, the US continues to enforce its “maximum pressure” campaign, with a new round of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil and liquefied petroleum gas networks this week. Iranian officials have criticized these actions as contradictory, accusing the US of undermining its calls for diplomacy by sending “mixed signals.” At the same time, China, Iran’s top trading partner, remains a key player in this situation, as most Iranian oil exports are sent to China. This oil is sold at significant discounts due to Western sanctions.
What’s going on now: Ahead of another round of US-Iran talks later this week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese officials in Beijing. During the visit, Araghchi held high-level discussions with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where both sides stressed the importance of strengthening ties. Araghchi said, “It is necessary for us to keep our friends in China informed of developments and to consult with them.” He described China as Iran’s “strategic and reliable partner.”
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi commented on the ongoing US-Iran talks, saying, “China has always been committed to a political and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and is opposed to resorting to force and illegal unilateral sanctions at every turn.” The Chinese foreign ministry also said that Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear energy. Both parties also criticized the United States for its use of sanctions and tariffs as diplomatic tools, accusing the US of pursuing a “unilateral and coercive” foreign policy.
This all comes as Iranian officials are accusing Israel of actively trying to sabotage the fragile diplomatic process underway between the US and Iran. Speaking to AFP, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei claimed that Israel is leading a “coalition” designed to “undermine and disrupt the diplomatic process,” suggesting it is laying the groundwork for potential military escalation.
He warned that this effort is being supported by “a series of warmongering currents in the United States and figures from different factions” who are resistant to any negotiated solution.
