This year marks the 10th anniversary of the JCPOA. Due to reasons known to all, the JCPOA has been seriously undermined and has not been implemented smoothly and effectively. This historical lesson must be learned, and the country withdrawing unilaterally from the JCPOA cannot evade its historical responsibility.

Currently, the Iranian nuclear issue faces another important crossroads. Some believe that the JCPOA is outdated. In this regard, China would like to stress that the purpose and spirit of the JCPOA will not become obsolete, but rather of even greater and more urgent relevance. The history of JCPOA and its negotiation process have shown us that the only way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue is to uphold the general direction of political and diplomatic solutions, promote dialogue and foster cooperation. Withdrawing from international agreements, imposing sanctions and pressure, and engaging in political confrontations will only undermine international non-proliferation efforts and even the NPT regime.

According to UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the JCPOA, only less than eight months remain before the JCPOA expires. This period represents a crucial window of opportunities for political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. The only correct way forward for all parties to the JCPOA is to actively commit to resuming dialogue and negotiations, and for the international community to jointly support the IAEA in maintaining and strengthening safeguards cooperation with Iran.

Iran has repeatedly emphasized the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, its commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, and its willingness to resume negotiations and cooperate with the IAEA. China attaches importance to and fully supports this approach. We urge the US, the one who chose to withdraw from the JCPOA, to take substantive steps at an early date, reengage in international diplomatic efforts, and engage in dialogue with Iran. We urge the E3 and the EU to continue dialogue with Iran, focus on promoting peace talks and refrain from aggravating tensions. We support the IAEA and DG Grossi in playing a constructive role in strengthening safeguards cooperation with Iran.

China will continue to actively promote talks for peace in a highly responsible, objective and impartial manner, work with all parties to advance the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.