Chinese Foreign Minister Emphasizes Continuation of Cooperation with Iran

Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, emphasized in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday, August 16, that Beijing will continue its cooperation with Tehran. According to Reuters, the Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that Wang Yi stated in the conversation that the nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015 between six world powers and Iran, aligns with the 'common interests' of the international community. The Chinese Foreign Minister also mentioned that they have publicly declared their opposition to the wrongful imposition of unilateral sanctions and the expansion of countries' jurisdiction in international affairs. China has extensive economic relations, particularly in the energy sector, with Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump has consistently criticized the nuclear agreement with Iran, calling the JCPOA a 'terrible and one-sided deal.' According to Trump, this agreement allowed money to flow into Iran, which was used to spread instability in the Middle East. Ultimately, Trump announced on May 8 of this year his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the JCPOA and stated that Washington's sanctions against Tehran would be reinstated. On August 6, he signed an executive order that reinstated part of the sanctions against the Islamic Republic that had been suspended after the nuclear agreement was reached. However, the U.S. President warned that 'anyone who does business with Iran will not do business with the United States.' Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Friday in a statement that it is determined to take all necessary actions to preserve and implement the JCPOA. The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement reiterated that Russia continues to fulfill its commitments under the JCPOA. It also mentioned that the second shipment of nuclear fuel for delivery to Iran is ready. The spokesperson for Iran's Atomic Energy Organization announced last week that the second shipment of 20% uranium is on the verge of being transferred to Iran. Behrouz Kamalvandi stated that the first shipment of 20% uranium was received seven months ago. He added that each of these shipments can be used for one year for the Tehran reactor. According to Islamic Republic officials, the 20% enriched uranium is the fuel for the Tehran research reactor, which has medical and agricultural uses.