Beijing, China 16 August, 2025
Beijing on Friday voiced opposition to Western nations’ threat of reimposing sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme, stressing that such a move would undermine diplomatic efforts.
Foreign Ministers from the E3 group — Britain, France, and Germany — warned earlier this week that sanctions could be reinstated if no diplomatic breakthrough is achieved by the end of August. In a joint letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, the E3 said Iran had violated commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, including amassing uranium stockpiles more than 40 times above the permitted limit.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that Beijing “opposes invoking sanctions” and argued that such actions would not help build trust. “Reimposing sanctions is not conducive to the diplomatic effort for the resumption of talks,” he said.
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) had led to the easing of European sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, tensions have risen in recent months as Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The dispute escalated further after Israel launched a 12-day war with Iran in June, with the stated aim of weakening Tehran’s nuclear capability. The United States also conducted airstrikes during the conflict.
Despite these developments, the E3 reiterated their commitment to a diplomatic resolution. “The E3 remain fully committed to a diplomatic resolution to the crisis caused by Iran’s nuclear programme,” the ministers said in their statement.
