China slams US pressure on Iran, calls for diplomatic solution
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The Chinese envoy welcomed the recent Iran-US discussions held in Oman, describing them as a "great opportunity" and urging both parties to "strengthen their contacts" in the pursuit of a durable agreement.
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Chinese ambassador to Tehran Cong Peiwu (AP)
During a press briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Tehran on Tuesday, Ambassador Cong Peiwu criticized the US for its continued reliance on coercive tactics.
"The US must prove its political goodwill in the talks and stop using force and maximum pressure against Iran," he said, referencing the Trump administration's years-long campaign of sanctions and military threats.
Cong welcomed the recent Iran-US discussions held in Oman, describing them as a "great opportunity" and urging both parties to "strengthen their contacts" in the pursuit of a durable agreement.
He noted that the path forward should be rooted in "political and diplomatic manners," echoing Iran's own calls for negotiations grounded in mutual respect and national sovereignty.
These remarks follow statements made earlier today by US envoy Steve Witkoff, who confirmed that Washington is now willing to accept uranium enrichment up to 3.67%—in line with the 2015 nuclear deal—provided it is subject to strict monitoring.
However, Iran has made it clear that it will not negotiate on defense-related matters, including its missile program, nor accept a permanent cap on enrichment. "Iran will not have any talks with the American side on any other issue," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei recently declared.
Read more: US softens nuclear stance as Iran holds firm on red lines: WSJ
Ambassador Cong backed Iran's red lines and criticized Washington's broader geopolitical posture. He denounced US attempts to interfere with China-Iran cooperation, calling such moves "unacceptable," and reaffirmed Beijing's opposition to unilateral sanctions.
"China will continue its unshakable friendly cooperation with Iran regardless of the international developments," he said.
Positioning China and Iran as strategic partners, the ambassador asserted, "China stands firmly to hold back the powers and takes the necessary measures against the US' bullying actions."
He further noted a joint commitment to defending global economic stability and opposing hegemonic behavior, noting China's readiness "to take joint measures with Iran against the US' bullying moves."
