China, Russia, Iran Demand an End to Arbitrary Sanctions

(L-R) Sergei Ryabkov, Ma Zhaoxu, and Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing, China, March 14, 2025.


March 14, 2025 Hour: 9:52 am

Dialogue based on mutual respect is the only viable solution, the three nations stressed.

On Friday, the Deputy Foreign Ministers Ma Zhaoxu (China), Kazem Gharibabadi (Iran), and Sergei Ryabkov (Russia) called for an end to all illegal unilateral sanctions and the creation of a favorable atmosphere for diplomacy.

RELATED:

Venezuela: ExxonMobil Finances Sanctions Lobby to Destabilize the Government

During the trilateral meeting, marked by rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, the three diplomats stated that “dialogue based on mutual respect” is the “only viable solution” and that the U.S. must abandon sanctions, pressure, and threats.

The three countries emphasized that all parties must “work to eliminate the deep-rooted causes behind the current situation.”

This Friday, Iran stated that the new U.S. sanctions against its oil sector represent a demonstration of Washington’s “dishonesty,” as it persists in negotiating while maintaining its “maximum pressure” policy on Tehran.

The day before, the United States imposed new sanctions on Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, entities that have distributed Iranian crude oil to China, and vessels involved in offshore hydrocarbon transactions.

The deputy ministers also emphasized the importance of complying with UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which established the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran, as well as adhering to its “timeline framework.”

They also called for the implementation of preventive measures to avoid further deterioration of the situation and stressed the importance of preserving the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons “as the cornerstone of the international system.”

During the meeting, China and Russia welcomed Iran’s reaffirmation of the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and its commitment to refraining from developing nuclear weapons.

The diplomats acknowledged Iran’s commitment to fully complying with its obligations under the Treaty and expressed their support for Iran’s policy of cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “We emphasize the need to fully respect Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a State Party to the Treaty,” they said.

At the same time, the three parties affirmed that “no country should take actions that undermine the professional, objective, and impartial work of the IAEA in carrying out its functions,” and they agreed to “continue communication” regarding the Iranian nuclear issue.

The previous week, U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Tehran requesting the continuation of negotiations, despite Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejecting any talks with “arrogant countries.”

“Tehran will not negotiate under pressure or intimidation,” said Iranian FM Abbas Araqchi, who insisted that his nation would only consider an agreement “based on mutual respect.”

So far, Iran has held talks in Geneva with Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, although no significant progress has been made.

As for the Kremlin, it has reiterated its commitment to promoting a negotiated solution and has warned that U.S. sanctions and threats could eliminate the possibility of an agreement. China and Russia aim to position themselves as mediators in a process where the West has intensified its pressure.

In this scenario, Beijing favors de-escalation, although it has also strengthened its trade and energy cooperation with Tehran, while Moscow remains a key ally of the Persian nation on the global stage.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE – Xinhua