China has voiced opposition to fresh European sanctions on Iran’s nuclear programme, saying such measures would harm trust and undermine efforts to restart diplomatic talks.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that sanctions “do not help parties build trust” and are “not conducive to the early resumption of negotiations.”
His remarks came after Britain, France, and Germany — the E3 group — warned they would reimpose United Nations sanctions if no diplomatic breakthrough is reached by the end of August. The sanctions, lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal in exchange for limits on Iran’s programme, can be restored by any party to the agreement before it expires in October.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that Tehran is working with China and Russia to prevent the sanctions’ return. He warned that Iran has “tools to respond” if Europe follows through.
The E3, in a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the Security Council, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon, pledging to use “all diplomatic tools” available.
Beijing urged the Security Council to focus on facilitating new agreements rather than escalating tensions.
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Commonwealth Games: Amusan storms into 100m hurdles final
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