Iran will hold nuclear talks with Russia and China on Friday in Beijing, as confirmed by China’s foreign ministry. This follows Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s firm rejection of U.S. negotiations under pressure, telling Donald Trump to “do whatever the hell you want,” according to reports.
Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran would not accept threats or orders from the U.S., aligning with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s stance against coercive diplomacy.
China’s foreign ministry announced that Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will chair the discussions, though the agenda remains undisclosed. Iranian media suggest the meeting may explore diplomatic efforts as the Trump administration pushes for a new nuclear agreement.
Despite Iran’s rapid nuclear advancements, Trump has expressed a preference for diplomacy over military action, warning Tehran that it must either negotiate or risk its nuclear program being targeted.
In line with his renewed “maximum pressure” campaign, Trump recently ended a sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to purchase electricity from Iran, intensifying economic pressure. The U.S. State Department stated that this decision aims to cut off Iran’s financial resources. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the idea of negotiating under threats, reiterating that Iran’s nuclear program is strictly peaceful.
As tensions escalate, Iran, China, and Russia recently conducted joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, demonstrating military cooperation amid growing regional instability.
The exercises, named “Maritime Security Belt 2025,” involved live-fire drills and attracted international observers, highlighting Iran’s strategic partnerships with Beijing and Moscow.
