Ahead of the latest round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations set for Saturday, the United States has ramped up pressure on Tehran by imposing fresh sanctions targeting entities accused of illicit trade in Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals. This move is part of the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its oil exports, which have been central to the “maximum pressure” campaign initially launched under former President Donald Trump.
The US State Department announced the sanctions on Wednesday, focusing on seven entities based in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Iran. These sanctions also extended to two vessels allegedly involved in the trade of Iranian petrochemicals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the targeted entities included four sellers and one buyer of Iranian petrochemical products, worth hundreds of millions of dollars. This is the latest in a series of actions designed to restrict Iran’s ability to finance its nuclear program through oil and petrochemical sales, including to countries like China.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the sanctions as sending the “wrong message” during the resumption of talks. These negotiations, aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal that unraveled under Trump’s administration in 2018, will resume in Rome on Saturday. Iran is also scheduled to meet with European powers – Britain, France, and Germany – on Friday to discuss the future of the deal.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed strong support for Iran’s diplomatic efforts in a meeting with Ali Shamkhani, Iran’s top security official, in Brazil. Wang reaffirmed China’s appreciation for Iran’s commitment to non-proliferation and its ongoing diplomatic engagements, including cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He also expressed Beijing’s pleasure at seeing continued dialogue between Iran and other international parties, notably regarding the nuclear program.
This meeting comes amidst increasing international tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities, and the US’s sanctions are seen as a direct attempt to influence the upcoming negotiations. China, which has been involved in several Middle East diplomatic efforts, including facilitating the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran earlier this year, continues to position itself as a significant player in global diplomacy, especially in the Middle East.
As the crisis in Israel and Gaza, along with other regional conflicts, challenges Beijing’s ability to maintain its diplomatic momentum, China’s support for Iran remains a critical element in the evolving international landscape. This geopolitical backdrop underscores the complex nature of the upcoming talks, where pressure from the US, support from China, and the dynamics within Iran’s internal politics will all play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the nuclear deal.
