UNITED NATIONS — China called for the immediate resumption of negotiations on the Iran nuclear issue, stressing that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.Speaking at a Security Council meeting, Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, urged all relevant parties to act with urgency and responsibility.
He said negotiations should be resumed without delay to reach consensus and deliver concrete outcomes. Sun recalled that the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was a major multilateral diplomatic achievement endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
However, he noted that the agreement was undermined when the United States unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018, imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran, and adopted a policy of “maximum pressure.” He further criticized the United States, along with Israel, for attacking Iranian nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards in June 2025. According to Sun, after the U.S. withdrawal, the three European parties to the JCPOA—Britain, France and Germany—failed to fulfill their obligations under the deal.
Instead, he said, they aligned with Washington by imposing unilateral sanctions on Iran and pushing for the “snapback” of sanctions, actions that intensified tensions and confrontation.“Force and confrontation cannot resolve the issue,” Sun said, calling on all parties to remain calm, exercise restraint, and return to diplomacy and dialogue to avoid a cycle of pressure, sanctions and escalation. He urged the United States to assume its responsibilities, show political sincerity, clearly commit to refraining from the use of force against Iran, and proactively re-engage in negotiations. He also called on the European parties to abandon what he described as “microphone diplomacy” and play a constructive role by turning their stated support for diplomacy into practical actions.
Sun said Iran, despite facing what he termed unjust treatment, has repeatedly emphasized the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons, and continued to engage with other parties to find a solution. China, he added, calls on relevant countries to recognize Iran’s sincerity and constructive efforts rather than relying on one-sided pressure.“All parties should respect each other’s legitimate security concerns, reduce tensions through equal dialogue, build mutual trust, and reach a solution at an early date that meets the expectations of the international community,” he said.
As a permanent member of the Security Council and a participant in the JCPOA, Sun said China has consistently played a constructive role in promoting a political solution. He reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to working with all parties to facilitate the early resumption of talks, uphold the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
At the start of the meeting, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia raised a point of order, arguing that the Iran nuclear issue is no longer on the Security Council’s agenda, a position Sun supported. Sun said the European parties’ attempt to trigger the “snapback” mechanism was legally and procedurally flawed, noting that the Security Council had not reached consensus on their right to do so. He added that Resolution 2231 expired on Oct. 18, concluding the council’s consideration of the issue.
China has warned that convening Security Council meetings under a terminated agenda item would undermine the authority of council resolutions, weaken unity, and exacerbate divisions. Sun urged council members to uphold multilateral diplomacy and create favorable conditions for a political resolution of the Iran nuclear issue.
