China to Host Nuclear Talks with Russia and Iran Amid Rising Global Tensions

China will host high-level nuclear discussions with Russia and Iran on Friday, focusing on Iran’s advancing uranium enrichment program. The meeting, chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, will take place as the United Nations Security Council holds a separate session on Iran’s nuclear activities.

Both Russia and Iran will send deputy foreign ministers to the Beijing talks, underscoring their growing strategic alliance. Iran has significantly increased uranium enrichment to 60% purity, nearing the weapons-grade threshold of 90%, raising global concerns. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned of the rapid acceleration in Iran’s nuclear program.

The discussions come amid heightened geopolitical shifts. Russia and Iran have deepened cooperation since the Ukraine war, formalizing a strategic treaty in January. Meanwhile, China continues to advocate for a diplomatic resolution, supporting Iran’s right to nuclear development while calling for renewed negotiations on the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The JCPOA, originally signed by Iran, the U.S., China, Russia, the UK, France, and Germany, was abandoned by the U.S. in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump. Since then, Iran has progressively rolled back its commitments, leading to mounting international scrutiny.

China’s diplomatic engagement signals its intent to mediate tensions and push for dialogue, as global powers closely watch the outcome of these critical discussions.