China Hosts Trilateral Talks Amid Iran Nuclear Tensions

China is set to host trilateral talks in Beijing with Russia and Iran concerning Iran's nuclear program, following US President Donald Trump's call for Tehran to negotiate a new agreement or face military threats. The talks include China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. The meeting reflects deepening ties between Iran and Russia since the Ukraine war in 2022 and follows recent UN Security Council discussions on Iran's increasing uranium enrichment. After the US pulled out of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action under Trump's administration, Iran began stepping away from its commitments. Despite the West's concerns over Iran's potential nuclear weapon development, Iran maintains its nuclear pursuits are for civilian use. The upcoming meeting underscores the complex geopolitical landscape involving China, Iran, and Russia, aiming to address the nuclear issue and other mutual interests.