China hosted high-level diplomats from Russia and Iran on Friday in an effort to revive stalled negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. Beijing has expressed hopes that the discussions will "strengthen communication and coordination, to resume dialogue and negotiation at an early time."

The meeting follows US President Donald Trump's renewed "maximum pressure" strategy, which includes sweeping sanctions against Iran. Since his return to office in January, Trump has pushed for a new nuclear agreement, though Tehran insists that negotiations cannot proceed unless US sanctions are lifted.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reinforced this stance, stating, "Ultimately, the United States should lift the sanctions," adding that Iran would only engage in direct talks when it is "on an equal footing, free from pressure and threats, and are confident that the national interests of the people will be guaranteed."

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The urgency for renewed diplomacy increased last month after the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran had significantly expanded its stockpile of highly enriched uranium (reaching 60% purity)—just short of weapons-grade levels.

Meanwhile, Washington escalated its pressure campaign this week, sanctioning Iranian Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad and blacklisting firms involved in Iran’s oil trade with China. Trump also sent a letter to Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei urging nuclear talks and warning of potential military action if Tehran refuses.

Sayyed Khamenei reaffirmed Iran’s longstanding position, stating, "We do not have nuclear weapons and are not seeking them," maintaining that Tehran’s nuclear activities remain peaceful.

Read next: Not seeking war, will respond decisively, certainly: Sayyed Khamenei