The Iranian nuclear issue has been lingering at the IAEA and the UN Security Council for over two decades. The most valuable historical takeaway is that the only correct path to properly resolving the issue is through political and diplomatic efforts. The most important historical lesson is that confrontation, pressure, and the undermining of international agreements will only further complicate the issue. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Had the United States not unilaterally withdrawn from the JCPOA, and had the agreement been implemented smoothly and effectively, the Iranian nuclear issue would not become what it is today. The country that has undermined the JCPOA must bear the historical responsibility, and the international community must earnestly learn from these lessons. 

Currently, the Iranian nuclear issue faces a new situation, with less than 5 months remaining till the "Termination Day" of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. How to assess the seven years of severe damage to the JCPOA and how to seize the opportunity to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic approach are critical questions facing us all. The current priority for the international community is to work together to promote political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect, as well as to address the root cause of the current situation and abandoning sanction, pressure, or threat of force, and jointly encourage relevant parties to reach new consensus on the basis of the JCPOA and to reach a solution that accommodates the legitimate concerns of all parties through dialogue and negotiation.

The Beijing Meeting between China, Russia and Iran was successfully held on March 14, 2025, during which the three countries conducted in-depth exchanges of views on the Iranian nuclear issue and issued a joint statement reiterated that political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect remains the only viable and practical option for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also put forward China’s Five-Point Proposition  on the proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. The relevant statement and proposal have been circulated on the IAEA website as official documents (INFCIRC/1279, INFCIRC/1278).

Under the current circumstances, it is all the more important to highly value the status and role of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and to fully respect the legitimate right of non-nuclear-weapon states to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We should stay committed to balancing rights and responsibilities, and take a holistic approach to the goals of nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Iran has repeatedly underscored its commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, reaffirmed the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, and maintained communication and cooperation with the IAEA. These efforts deserve positive recognition and strong support from all parties.  

The Iranian nuclear issue can only be properly resolved through political and diplomatic efforts as well as safeguards cooperation within the IAEA framework. Bringing the Iranian nuclear issue back to the Security Council or pressing for intervention by the Security Council will not help build confidence or bridge differences among the relevant parties, nor will it fundamentally settle contradictions or resolve the problem. The clamour of certain countries to trigger the "snapback" mechanism would undo years of diplomatic efforts. Caution must be taken in this respect.  

China actively advocates the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. We will continue to engage with all parties in a highly responsible, objective, and impartial manner to advance the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, firmly uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and maintain peace and stability of the Middle East.