In a world filled with geopolitical tensions, Iran’s nuclear issue is a key test of the international community’s commitment to peace, diplomacy and multilateralism.
Whether diplomacy wins or “maximum pressure” tactics will be centered around the scene will shape regional stability and set precedents for global non-proliferation efforts.
A joint statement issued on Friday by China, Russia and Iran after a trilateral meeting in Beijing reaffirmed its shared beliefs suggests that political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue are not merely favorable, but the only viable and practical option to address this complex challenge.
At the heart of the debate was a common commitment to unilateral sanctions and rejecting enforcement measures. Diplomacy is a major tool for solving conflicts and crises and is not used solely as a last resort after aggressive policies have failed.
In an increasingly complex and vulnerable international environment, relying on sanctions and military attitudes is counterproductive, but also dangerous myopic and promotes instability rather than promoting meaningful engagement.
A sustainable solution requires a holistic approach that balances nuclear non-proliferation with legitimate rights to peaceful nuclear energy. While Iran must continue to support its commitment to not develop nuclear weapons, all political parties must fully respect its right to a civilian nuclear program, as permitted under international law.
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPOA) once demonstrated the power of dialogue. This proved that even the most established conflicts can succumb to diplomacy when all parties are engaged in sincerity.
However, the unilateral withdrawal of the US from the agreement and subsequent “maximum pressure” campaign put the JCPOA in danger.
Against this backdrop, China’s call to maintain the JCPOA as a foundation of updated consensus is both practical and forward-thinking. The agreement remains a rare diplomatic outcome that balances Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy with its non-diffusion order. This is a balance that must guide future diplomatic efforts.
China is trying to split and restore the original spirit of the JCPOA by defending a process rooted in respect rather than ultimate.
The trilateral meeting took place after 15 members of the six UN Security Council (US, France, Greece, Panama, South Korea and the UK) met in a closed room on Iran’s nuclear issue.
This exclusive gathering raises concerns about the politicization of the issue. What is needed now is dialogue and cooperation, not intervention imposed by the Security Council.
In the current situation, a hasty intervention by the Security Council will not help to build trust and bridge differences. On the other hand, causing a snapback of sanctions would revoke years of diplomatic efforts.
A step-by-step, mutual approach is urgently needed. Instead of escalating tensions through unilateral measures, major countries should focus on restoring trust and ensuring compliance through involvement.
Iran is not the only nuclear issue in Iran. A test of whether global governance is defined by cooperation or enforcement.
MNA/