Riyaz ul Khaliq
July 21, 2025•Update: July 21, 2025
ISTANBUL
China on Monday reiterated its position that a diplomatic approach was the “only way” to solve the Iranian nuclear issue as Tehran, France, Germany, and the UK were preparing for nuclear talks in Istanbul.
“Iranian nuclear issue is concerned with peace and security in Middle East and is also concerned with the international non-proliferation regime,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Guo Jiakun told a news conference in Beijing.
“We always believe diplomatic approach should be used to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and this is the only right way,” Guo said.
Beijing’s statement came as Iran and the three European countries, collectively known as the E3, have agreed to resume nuclear talks this Friday in the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul.
“We call on all parties to walk in the same direction and contribute to political settlement track of the Iranian nuclear issue,” Guo said.
In talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi last week on Thursday, the top diplomats of the UK, France, Germany and the EU had emphasized the urgency of returning to diplomacy for a nuclear deal, or else they were prepared to trigger the UN “snapback” mechanism which would reimpose international sanctions.
Talks between Tehran and the US were being held through Omani mediators until Israel’s surprise attack on Iran on June 13, which triggered a 12-day war. The attack came just two days before a planned sixth round of negotiations in the Omani capital Muscat.
Iran accused the US of complicity in the Israeli attack, which killed top Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The US also launched strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites, claiming to have obliterated them. A ceasefire took effect on June 24.
While the US and Europeans say Iran can never have a nuclear bomb, Tehran argues its program is meant for the peaceful use of nuclear power.
After the talks with the E3 and EU, Araghchi said it was the US that withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord, and any new round of talks is only possible “when the other side is ready for a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial nuclear deal.”
“If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the 'snap-back' for which they lack absolutely no moral and legal ground,” he said on X.
