On 30 June, the Security Council held an open VTC on the Iranian nuclear issue. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Secretary of State of the United States Michael Pempeo and Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Iran Javad Zarif attended the meeting. Ambassador Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, attended the meeting and delivered remarks.

Zhang Jun said that Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi comprehensively stated China's position on the Iranian nuclear issue in his letter to Secretary-General and President of the Security Council earlier this month. Preserving the JCPOA is conducive to safeguarding multilateralism, the international order based on international law, the international non-proliferation regime, and peace and stability in the Middle East.

Zhang Jun emphasized that the root cause of current crisis is the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and its unilateral sanctions against Iran. We urge the US to stop its illegal unilateral sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction", and return to the right track of observing the JCPOA and Resolution 2231. China opposes the US push for extending arms embargo on Iran. All provisions of Resolution 2231 should be implemented, including arrangements on arms-related restrictive measures. Having quit the JCPOA, the US is no longer a participant, and has no right to trigger snap-back at the Security Council.

Zhang Jun pointed out that the Iranian nuclear issue is at a critical stage, and the JCPOA is facing severe challenges. The full and effective implementation of the JCPOA is the only right way forward. Iran's reduction of its commitment under the JCPOA is a result of the US maximum pressure. Relevant parties should exercise restraint, resolve differences through consultations in the Joint Commission, and refrain from taking steps that might complicate the situation.

Zhang Jun said that the Iranian nuclear issue concerns the peace and stability in the Middle East. Maintaining the JCPOA is in the interests of all parties. Regional countries should resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation. Countries outside the region should inject positive energy into the region's peace and stability. All parties should work constructively to de-escalate the situation and promote settlement of hot-spot issues in the region.

Zhang Jun said that since the conclusion of the JCPOA, China has been committed to upholding the authority of the resolution and the efficacy of the JCPOA. China stands ready to work tirelessly with relevant parties to seek political and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. The Security Council should earnestly fulfill its responsibilities and stand with international law, multilateralism, and peace and dialogue. We can't afford to allow the Iranian nuclear issue to go back to the old track of pressure and confrontation.