Chinese envoy Sun Lei called for an immediate resumption of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue during a UN Security Council meeting on December 24, 2025, emphasizing dialogue as the only viable path to resolve escalating tensions.
Diplomatic Push for Stability
Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), describing it as a critical achievement in multilateral diplomacy. He criticized the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 and its subsequent sanctions against Iran, which he claimed destabilized the region and undermined trust.
Timeline of Tensions
The JCPOA, designed to ensure Iran's nuclear program remains peaceful, has been effectively stalled this year. Sun urged all parties to abandon 'microphone diplomacy' and return to the negotiating table, warning that further deterioration could 'severely undermine the international non-proliferation regime.'
Global Responsibilities Highlighted
Sun specifically called on the U.S. to 'demonstrate political sincerity' by committing to non-military solutions and resuming direct talks with Tehran. He also urged European signatories to play a more constructive role in reviving the pact.
China pledged to continue collaborating with international stakeholders to advance a political resolution, emphasizing its longstanding role as a mediator in Middle East stability efforts.
