China opposes US-led states' pushing IAEA to pressure Iran; calls for talks to restore nuclear deal

BEJING: According to reports, The US, UK, France and Germany are pushing for the IAEA Board of Governors in a draft resolution to rebuke Iran for failing to answer longstanding questions on uranium traces at undeclared sites. The move is likely to anger Iran and that in turn could damage prospects for rescuing the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. What is China’s comment?

Zhao Lijian: China opposes relevant countries’ moves to pressure Iran by pushing the IAEA Board of Governors to adopt a resolution. Facts have proven time and again that pressuring cannot solve any problems, but will only escalate tension and complicate the situation. The talks on resuming compliance with the JCPOA are currently at a crucial juncture. Confrontational moves at the IAEA Board of Governors will only undermine cooperation between Iran and the agency and disrupt the negotiation process.

We believe that the pressing task at the moment is to facilitate a smooth conclusion of the negotiations and bring the JCPOA back to the right track. Once the implementation resumes, the issue of IAEA’s safeguards of Iran will be resolved. The US should make political decisions as soon as possible, actively respond to Iran’s legitimate concerns and work toward an early consensus on outstanding issues. All relevant parties should create necessary conditions and a favorable environment for this.