China promises ‘relentless efforts’ to save Iran nuclear deal after US drone strike on Qassem Soleimani
- Foreign ministry says Tehran has ‘shown restraint’ even though it pulled out of international accord to restrict uranium enhancement after killing of senior commander
- Beijing urges all parties to stay calm and seek political and diplomatic solutions after Donald Trump authorised Friday’s attack
China said it will “take relentless efforts” to salvage the Iranian nuclear accord and reduce tensions in the Middle East after the killing of Qassem Soleimani in a US drone attack.
Tehran announced early on Monday that it would no longer abide by the uranium enrichment restrictions it agreed in 2015.
Iranian state media reported that the country’s nuclear programme will now be based solely on its “technical needs”, but it also said that the country would continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency and it could return to the deal if sanctions are lifted and its interests are respected.
Geng Shuang, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, told a daily press conference on Monday that Iran had been forced to end its commitment due to external factors but had showed restraint and a willingness to implement the deal so it “does not violate its [non-proliferation] obligations”.
The deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, is “an important pillar” for global nuclear non-proliferation and peace and stability for the Middle East, Geng said.