‘Our Friends in China’: Russia, Iran, and China Jointly Meet With IAEA Ahead of Negotiations With United States

Latest Developments

• Meeting on Iranian Nuclear Program: Chinese, Russian, and Iranian officials met on April 24 with Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to Chinese state media. The joint discussions with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog reportedly focused on the IAEA’s role in ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States concerning Tehran’s nuclear program, with Beijing voicing support for continued dialogue.
• Iran’s Top Diplomat in China: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited China on April 23 ahead of new nuclear talks with the United States. “It is necessary for us to keep our friends in China informed of developments and to consult with them,” Araghchi said on Iranian state television. Beijing was a party to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action nuclear deal from which the United States withdrew during President Donald Trump’s first term.
• Next Round of Nuclear Talks Slated for April 26: The third round of negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program is scheduled for April 26 in Muscat, the capital of Oman. U.S. State Department Director of Policy Planning Michael Anton will lead the technical talks, while White House envoy and chief Iran negotiator Steve Witkoff — who headed the previous two rounds of talks — will also attend. On April 23, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States is open to Iran having a civilian nuclear program provided it abandons domestic uranium enrichment.

FDD Expert Response

“The meeting involving China, Russia, and Iran serves as a reminder that these three countries — along with North Korea — are members of an emerging axis of aggressors whose common and collaborative cause is to diminish American power and forge a new global order they seek to dominate.” — Clifford D. May, Founder and President

“As the Trump administration seeks to increase pressure on Tehran to gain leverage in ongoing nuclear talks, China’s continued support for Iran may become a crucial facet of the regime’s willingness to hold out. Beijing’s crude purchases still fill Tehran’s coffers, while Chinese firms allegedly funnel intelligence for the Houthi rebels in Yemen to strike shipping in the Red Sea.” — Jack Burnham, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘None Of Your Business’: Iran Rebuffs IAEA Chief’s Concerns Over Tunnels Built Around Nuclear Site,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Increasing Fortitude’: U.S. Intelligence Report Highlights Threats From Axis of Aggressors,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iran’s Nuclear Disarmament,” by Orde Kittrie, Andrea Stricker, and Behnam Ben Taleblu

“What Steps Must Iran Take to Construct Nuclear Weapons,” by Andrea Stricker and FDD’s Visual Intelligence Team