China on Wednesday announced it will host nuclear talks with Russia and Iran, as Beijing attempts to assert itself in efforts to find a solution to global nuclear problems. The talks, to be headed by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, will include deputy foreign ministers from Moscow and Tehran.
The talks are against mounting Iranian criticism of its uranium enrichment procedure. In the meantime, on the same day, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is meeting in New York behind closed doors to discuss Tehran’s growing inventory of highly enriched uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently warned that Iran is accelerating uranium enrichment to 60% purity, one percentage point short of weapons-grade level.
Moscow and Tehran have cemented their alliance since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, culminating into a strategic partnership agreement in January. Both countries have also heightened their relations with China, making Beijing a major facilitator in nuclear diplomacy.
The nuclear talks also follow recent diplomatic overtures by the United States. Russia signaled last week that it would work with Washington to contact Iran about its nuclear program and its alleged support for anti-American militias. US President Donald Trump had reportedly spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a telephone conversation last month on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Since returning to office, Trump has pursued a twin strategy on Iran, renewing his “maximum pressure” approach and simultaneously dropping suggestions that he would be open to negotiating a new nuclear agreement. The next round of Beijing talks could serve as a model for future diplomatic steps between Iran and the major powers.
