China Urges US-Iran Talks to Resume, End Tehran Sanctions
China urged the U.S. and Iran to expedite peace talks and lift sanctions, as Beijing leverages its role as Iran's top oil buyer to mediate the nuclear dispute.
Beijing has urged Washington and Tehran to accelerate negotiations toward a final peace agreement and swiftly remove economic sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic, as reported by Brussels Signal.
Guo Jiakun, spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, stated on July 1 that Beijing expects both the United States and Iran to honor the memorandum of understanding they have signed and continue diplomatic efforts. He said such a move would help achieve a comprehensive and timely resolution to the Iran crisis.
Guo reaffirmed China’s consistent position against unilateral sanctions, demanding that restrictions imposed on Iran be eliminated immediately.
The framework agreement was signed in mid-June by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, establishing a 60-day negotiating period to finalize a deal ending the 2026 conflict.
According to Brussels Signal, the memorandum includes provisions for releasing frozen Iranian assets and removing sanctions on Tehran’s oil exports. Iranian officials have insisted these commitments must be fulfilled before proceeding with final negotiations.
Washington has maintained that broader sanctions relief depends on Iranian cooperation and demonstrable progress on nuclear issues.
The most divisive matters were deferred to upcoming negotiations, including Iran’s enriched uranium inventory and the trajectory of its nuclear program.
China Leverages Economic Ties
China stands as Iran’s largest oil customer and serves as a critical economic partner for the sanctions-battered regime, granting Beijing significant influence in Tehran. China has cast itself as a mediator in the dispute, condemning what it characterizes as unlawful Western sanctions while advocating for an end to hostilities.
Britain, France, Germany, and Italy have indicated willingness to relax their own sanctions measures in exchange for concrete action on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. All four nations emphasized that Iran must never be permitted to obtain nuclear weapons.
Strait Reopened, Oil Flows Resume
The memorandum also resulted in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels and ended the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. The strait represents a critical channel for international energy transport.
Iran has restarted crude oil shipments following the blockade’s termination, with the country’s parliament speaker claiming tens of millions of barrels have been exported.
As a comprehensive strategic partner of Russia, China has framed the sanctions question as a measure of Washington’s commitment to implementing the agreement it signed.
With information from Brussels Signal
