Iran briefs China on nuclear talks with US

ISTANBUL

Iran on Wednesday briefed China on ongoing negotiations with the US over Tehran’s nuclear program, stressing that, despite past bitter experiences, the Islamic Republic remains committed to diplomacy with “goodwill” and “seriousness,” Iranian media reported.

Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gave the briefing during a meeting with China's First Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Mehr news agency reported.

Hours after, Araghchi held a separate meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to exchange “in-depth” views on the latest progress of the Iranian nuclear issue.

China, Wang said, has always been committed to a political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue and opposes the “abuse of force and illegal unilateral sanctions.”

"China appreciates Iran's commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, respects Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, supports Iran in conducting dialogue with all parties—including the United States—and in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests through consultation and negotiation," he was quoted by Xinhua News as saying.

Araghchi, set to hold a third round of indirect talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday, said Tehran is approaching the discussions “seriously and in good faith, despite bitter past experiences.”

He urged faster implementation of the 25-year strategic cooperation agreement between Iran and China.

The top Iranian diplomat stressed the need for deeper collaboration between countries with shared views, such as Iran and China, to push back against “unilateralism and global bullying” and reaffirmed Tehran’s intent to strengthen ties with Beijing.

Araghchi also conveyed Tehran’s stance on the Israeli genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories, along with Israel’s regional actions and repeated US strikes on Yemen.

He called for a “firm and immediate international response to stop lawlessness and prevent the law of the jungle from dominating global relations.”

Ding said the two countries should enhance pragmatic cooperation, improve coordination on international and regional matters, and promote the sustained development of their comprehensive strategic partnership, state-run Xinhua News reported.

China, he added, is ready to work with Iran to implement shared goals set by the two heads of state, deepen high-level engagement, and build political trust.