Iran Russia China nuclear talks set in Moscow to address sanctions

Iran, Russia and China prepare for high-level consultations on nuclear deal and Western sanctions.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi gestures as he welcomes Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi before a meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue at Diaoyutai State Guest House on March 14, 2025, in Beijing, China. Photo by Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Iran Russia China nuclear talks are scheduled to take place in Moscow on Tuesday, as the three countries deepen their coordination over Tehran’s nuclear program and the ongoing impact of Western sanctions. Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali confirmed the development in an interview with IRNA on Monday, April 7, stating that the meeting is part of a broader effort to pursue diplomatic solutions and assert a unified front in international forums.

The trilateral meeting in Moscow represents the latest in a series of strategic consultations between Iran, Russia, and China. According to Jalali, the three nations are not only discussing the nuclear issue but are also reviewing a range of bilateral and multilateral topics concerning international and regional developments. This dialogue, he emphasized, is rooted in a shared interest in preserving regional stability and counterbalancing Western pressure.

Building on previous talks and shared objectives

Jalali pointed out that Iran, Russia, and China have already held several rounds of talks in key locations, including Beijing and Vienna, where they sought to harmonize their diplomatic strategies. These discussions have revolved around the implementation of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal—officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—and the necessity of lifting U.S.-led sanctions that have significantly impacted Iran’s economy.

“The upcoming meeting in Moscow builds on the progress made in previous discussions,” Jalali noted. “We continue to consult regularly with our strategic partners to strengthen regional cooperation and reach a productive, negotiated resolution on the nuclear issue.”

This trilateral approach signals a shift in how Iran manages its nuclear diplomacy. Rather than relying solely on traditional forums like the P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany), Iran appears to be investing more heavily in alternative multilateral engagements that align with its geopolitical interests.

A wider diplomatic front

Iran has also expanded its consultations beyond Moscow. Jalali highlighted that Tehran maintains ongoing discussions with European parties as well. In a related development, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed during a press conference on the same day that a separate meeting involving European diplomats is expected soon at the deputy ministerial level.

“Today and tomorrow, we will hold another tripartite meeting in Moscow, where China, Russia and Iran will discuss various aspects related to the nuclear issue, the Iran deal, and Resolution 2231,” Baqaei stated. Resolution 2231 is the United Nations Security Council resolution that endorsed the JCPOA and lifted certain sanctions in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear activities.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has reiterated Russia’s readiness to support de-escalation efforts between Iran and the United States. In a statement issued Monday, Russian officials expressed concern over rising tensions in the Gulf and stressed their commitment to promoting diplomatic dialogue over confrontation.

Strategic alignment amid global power shifts

The Iran Russia China nuclear talks also reflect a broader realignment in global politics. As Western alliances remain fragmented over how best to handle the Iranian nuclear file, Tehran has found more reliable diplomatic traction with Moscow and Beijing. Both Russia and China have consistently criticized U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and the subsequent reimposition of unilateral sanctions on Iran.

Russia’s position, in particular, has gained prominence amid its own confrontation with the West over the war in Ukraine. With Moscow increasingly isolated from Western capitals, closer ties with Iran and China provide both strategic leverage and a platform to challenge U.S.-led policies on the global stage.

China, for its part, has become more assertive in the Middle East, recently brokering a landmark agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume diplomatic ties. Its participation in nuclear talks with Iran and Russia underscores its broader ambition to reshape the international order and reduce dependence on Western-led institutions.

Sanctions, the nuclear deal, and future possibilities

For Iran, the stakes could not be higher. The country’s economy continues to reel under the weight of sanctions, which have constrained oil exports, stifled foreign investment, and fueled inflation. Although the JCPOA initially offered hope for economic normalization, its collapse following the U.S. exit left Iran in limbo.

Nevertheless, Iranian officials have signaled a willingness to return to compliance with the deal—provided the sanctions are lifted in a verifiable and irreversible manner. Jalali reiterated this stance, noting that Iran remains open to negotiations but will not accept unequal terms.

“We have always emphasized that our nuclear program is peaceful, and we are committed to dialogue,” Jalali said. “But any agreement must guarantee the rights of the Iranian people and bring tangible relief from sanctions.”

The trilateral talks in Moscow are thus a key test of whether Iran, Russia, and China can formulate a viable alternative diplomatic path forward. While the outcome remains uncertain, their coordinated stance sends a strong message to the West: Iran will not negotiate from a position of weakness.

A pivotal moment in nuclear diplomacy

As Iran Russia China nuclear talks move forward in Moscow, the international community is watching closely. With the nuclear issue again in the spotlight, the stakes are high—not only for Iran’s future but also for global stability. Whether these consultations lead to meaningful progress or simply reinforce existing divides remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that the world is entering a new phase of multipolar diplomacy, where traditional Western dominance is being challenged by emerging coalitions with distinct geopolitical goals. For Iran, this moment could either bring relief from years of economic isolation—or deepen its entrenchment in a high-stakes game of global politics.

With further meetings expected in Europe and beyond, the path forward will require careful negotiation, mutual trust, and a willingness from all sides to place diplomacy above confrontation.