Iran says it plans to outline China this week before third round talks on the nuclear program as Iranian officials accused Israel of “weaking and disrupting the diplomatic process.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi will visit Beijing on Tuesday to discuss the latest talks with US President Donald Trump’s administration on the country’s nuclear program, spokesman Esmaril Bakai said on Monday.
The trip reflects “consultations” Iran last week with Russia before the second round of in-person consultations with the US over the weekend. The third speech between Araguchi and US envoy Steve Witkov is scheduled to take place in Oman on Saturday.
Araghchi previously said that Tehran is always in close consultation with its allies, Russia and China on nuclear issues.
“It’s only natural to consult with China about the latest developments in indirect discussions between Iran and the US and give a brief explanation,” Bakaei said.
Russia and China were both nuclear militants and were signers of a 2015 repealed 2015 contract between them and several Western countries that aimed to ease tensions over Iran, the US and Tehran’s nuclear program.
The 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), where Trump retreated in 2018, saw Tehran cut its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
The US and Israel accused Iran of trying to use the program to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran stubbornly denied the claim, saying the program was for a private purpose.
On Monday, China’s Foreign Ministry highlighted close ties between Beijing and Tehran, but did not confirm the planned visit of the Iranian minister.
“China and Iran maintain exchanges and contacts at all levels and at various fields. I have no information to provide at this time regarding the particular visits mentioned.”
Strengthened Alliance
During the Israeli war in Gaza, we have seen Iran approach Russia and China. Recent diplomatic moves surrounding US-Iran’s speeches further highlight strengthened relations.
Aragut met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov last week, just before negotiations for the second round with Witkov.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a 20-year strategic partnership treaty that he agreed with Iran’s counterpart Masuud Pezeshkian earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Iran already has relations with Israel and its “iron-like” ally, the United States has been attracting attention in the war. Since taking office, Trump has reinstated a “major pressure” sanctions campaign against Tehran, but has repeatedly threatened military action if it fails to reach a new nuclear deal.
On Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bakaei accused Israel of trying to disrupt negotiations for the newborn to pave the way for military action.
In a comment carried by AFP News Agency, he declared that Israel was behind efforts to “weak and disrupt the diplomatic process” from “a kind of coalition.”
“Additionally, there’s a series of warm currents in the US, with different factions figures,” the spokesman said.
Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated that Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
His statement came a day after the New York Times reported that Trump had discouraged Israel from surpriseing Iran’s nuclear site in the short term, and Washington said he wanted to prioritize diplomatic talks.
“Consultations need to continue.”
Baqaei added that “consultations must continue” with the state, which is a party to the JCPOA.
Iran has gradually violated the terms of the treaty since Trump waived it. Most notably, it enriched the uranium, reaching a higher level than the one laid out in the trade.
The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran enriches uranium to 60%, close to the 90% level required to manufacture weapons. The JCPOA had limited it to 3.67%. This is the level of enrichment required for private power.
Last week, Witkoff sent a mixed message about the level Washington was looking for. He initially said in an interview that Tehran should reduce uranium enrichment to a 3.67% limit, but later revealed that the US hopes Iran will end its enrichment program.