Beijing called for “calm” and “restraint” as it hosted trilateral talks with Tehran and Moscow on March 14, in an effort to find a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear issue.
“In the current situation, we believe all parties should maintain calm and exercise restraint to avoid escalation of Iran’s nuclear situation or moving toward confrontation and conflict,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in a media briefing ahead of the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
After the meeting, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that “the three parties exchanged views on Iran’s nuclear issue and other matters of mutual interest,” but no further details were provided.
Tehran and Moscow have strengthened their ties in recent years as tensions between Iran and the United States have risen. Both countries have also maintained close relations with China.
This week, all three countries conducted naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as a show of force in the Middle East, with participating ships stopping at the Iranian port of Chabahar.
Attention on Iran’s nuclear issues has intensified recently after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that he sent a letter to Tehran requesting the resumption of nuclear talks and warning of potential military action if Iran refuses such talks.
On March 13, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it would make a “full assessment” before responding to Trump’s letter.
“The letter was received last night and is currently under review,” said spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, according to the state news agency IRNA. He added that “a decision on how to respond will be made after a full assessment.”
