China, Russia could help ease execution of possible Iran-US deal
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has traveled to China as Iranian and American negotiators are engaged in indirect talks over Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Araghchi’s China trip took place several days after a second round of Iran-US talks in Italy’s capital, Rome. Just a day ahead of the Rome discussions, the top Iranian diplomat concluded a two-day trip to Russia. In the meantime, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud was in Tehran last week on a high-level visit in decades. Iran Daily has conducted an interview with Mohsen Shariatinia, an academic of international relations, about the significance of such trips and their timing with the Iran-US nuclear negotiations.
IRANDAILY: Araghchi’s trip to China happens at a time when Tehran and Washington are in talks about Iran’s nuclear program. What is your assessment of his trip?
SHARIATINIA: Overall, this trip can help improve relations between Tehran and Beijing, as Iran is increasingly cementing its strategic alliance with China. I believe that the visit will contribute to foster cooperation between the two countries in the future, especially if there is a potential agreement on the nuclear issue. China is a key participant in the JCPOA – the 2015 nuclear deal officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action from which the United States withdrew in 2018. The more high-level interactions Iran has with China, the more stable and sustainable a potential deal will be.
China at the same time can play a positive role in the coming months in possible discussions to prevent the snapback of sanctions on Iran under the JCPOA. If any possible agreement is reached between Iran and the US, China will remain a valuable partner in implementing the deal, both in terms of nuclear cooperation and as Iran’s main trading partner and a key investor in Iran’s economy. I see this trip primarily as a move to further develop strategic trust between Iran and China, strengthening their partnership on multiple levels.
Regardless of the fact that Iran and the US reach or do not a deal on Tehran’s nuclear program, is the strategic trust between Iran and China is crucial and beneficial for both sides?
Yes, absolutely. Iran needs to strengthen its trust with China because China is a strategic partner. It has played a major role in reducing the pressure of sanctions on Iran. Iran does not have any profound disagreements with China, and its main discussions are centered around shared interests. Araghchi’s visit helps Iran develop a better mutual understanding with China.
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