China said on Friday it “opposes invoking” sanctions on Iranian Nuclear Program and “believes that it does not help parties build trust and bridge differences,” according to AFP.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that imposing sanctions “is not conducive to the diplomatic effort for the early resumption of talks.”
On Thursday, Iran announced it was working with both China and Russia to stop the snapback of European sanctions.
This move came after the foreign ministers from the E3 group — Britain, France and Germany, told the United Nations that they would reimpose them if Iran does not reach a diplomatic solution by the end of August.
“We will try to prevent it,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told state TV on Thursday.
No Moral or Legal Ground to Reactivate Snapback Sanctions
In July, Araqchi told his European counterparts that they have no moral or legal grounds for reactivating UN sanctions, according to Al Arabiya.
Araqchi’s remarks come after Europeans threatened to do so in coming months if there is no progress in nuclear talks.
“If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the ‘snap-back’ for which they (have) absolutely no moral (or) legal grounds,” Araghchi said on X.
He also noted Tehran is ready for a new round of talks if the other side is willing to reach “a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial nuclear deal.”
In June, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that the Europeans would be “justified” in pursuing a snapback of UN sanctions lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers.
The speculation about Tehran’s nuclear program has been increasing since Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13.
The US became directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran on June 22 after launching airstrikes on the Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
Related Topics:
IAEA to Visit Iran Within Next Two Weeks
Iran Says Any Future Talks Should Hold US Accountable for Nuclear Site Attacks
US Has Bank of Potential Military Targets in Iran: Col. Dahouk
