President,

China supports the procedural motion proposed by the Russian Federation and calls on all members to oppose holding this meeting.

China has repeatedly pointed out that the E3’s attempt to invoke the “snapback” mechanism is legally and procedurally flawed. UNSCR 2231 expired and terminated on October 18 last year, and the Security Council has already concluded its consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Against the backdrop of renewed conflict in the Middle East and an Iranian nuclear situation that is now exceptionally complex and grave, the insistence of the Security Council President on convening this meeting will intensify contradictions and confrontation among the parties and undermine the prospects for a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. China is seriously concerned.

China calls on Security Council members to focus on safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East, fully implement the “Termination Day” measures under UNSCR 2231, uphold the authority of the Security Council and the credibility of multilateral diplomacy, and create the necessary conditions for bringing the Iranian nuclear issue back onto the track of a political and diplomatic solution.

Thank you, President.