• Iran, Russia, and China issued a joint statement condemning US sanctions as “unlawful” during high-level talks in Beijing.
• The meeting aimed to revive stalled US-Iran nuclear negotiations, which Tehran refuses to engage in under threats and sanctions.
• US President Donald Trump has simultaneously pushed for talks while escalating economic pressure on Iran, including crippling oil export sanctions.
• Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, citing a religious fatwa against weapons of mass destruction and its adherence to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• Israel is reportedly considering military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, further escalating tensions in the region.

A history of coercion and using sanctions as an act of preemptive war

In a bold move that highlights the growing rift between the United States and the rest of the world, Iran, Russia, and China have joined forces to reject what they call “unlawful” US sanctions. The tripartite meeting, held in Beijing on March 14, 2025, was aimed at addressing the stalled nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. The three nations emphasized that political and diplomatic engagement, based on mutual respect, is the only viable path forward.

The joint statement, read by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaxou, condemned the US for its coercive tactics, which have long been a hallmark of American foreign policy. “The three countries reiterated that political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect remains the only viable and practical option in this regard,” the statement declared.

The US has a long history of using sanctions as a tool of domination, often under the guise of promoting peace or democracy. However, these measures have frequently backfired, alienating allies and emboldening adversaries. The Trump administration’s approach to Iran is a case in point. While publicly calling for negotiations, the US has simultaneously imposed harsh economic sanctions, including a near-total ban on Iranian oil exports, in an attempt to force Tehran to the negotiating table.

Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have made it clear that they will not negotiate under duress. This stance is in line with the position of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has repeatedly stated that negotiations with the US are futile if they are based on coercion rather than mutual respect.

“Bully governments … insist on negotiations,” Khamenei said in response to a letter from Trump. “They are not aimed at solving problems; they aim at domination.”

The nuclear question and regional tensions

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium, raising concerns among Western nations. However, Tehran insists that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful, citing a religious fatwa against weapons of mass destruction and its adherence to the NPT.

Despite these assurances, Israel has repeatedly threatened to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. US intelligence estimates suggest that such an attack could occur as early as this year. The Washington Post reported in mid-February that Israel is prepared to act “with or without” US backing if diplomatic efforts fail.

This volatile situation has placed the US in an increasingly isolated position. While Trump has stated his preference for a nuclear deal over military action, his administration’s reliance on sanctions and threats has only deepened the mistrust between Washington and Tehran.

Russia and China step in as mediators

Russia and China have positioned themselves as mediators in the conflict, offering to facilitate negotiations between the US and Iran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on March 4 that Moscow is prepared to “do everything in its power” to help resolve the issue through dialogue.

“Russia believes that the US and Iran should resolve all problems through negotiations,” Peskov told Bloomberg.

China, too, has expressed its willingness to assist in mediating the dispute. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei noted that it is “natural” for countries to “show good will” and offer assistance given the significance of the matter.

The joint statement from Iran, Russia, and China marks a significant shift in global power dynamics. As the US continues to alienate allies and adversaries alike through its heavy-handed tactics, other nations are stepping in to fill the void. This growing coalition against US sanctions highlights the diminishing influence of American foreign policy and the rise of a multi-polar world order.

The question now is whether the US will adapt to this new reality or continue down a path of isolation and irrelevance. As Khamenei aptly put it, “Bully governments … insist on negotiations, but they aim at domination.” Will the US learn to engage with the world on terms of mutual respect, or will it remain a laughingstock, clinging to outdated strategies of coercion and control?

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

TheCradle.co

Reuters.com