President,

China voted against the procedural motion on the adoption of the agenda. We regret the outcome of the vote.

Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, tensions in the Middle East briefly eased. However, the ceasefire has recently experienced setbacks and is facing renewed challenges, while the prospects for negotiations remain complicated. Whether the Iranian nuclear issue can be properly resolved bears directly on the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East and concerns the common interests of the international community. The parties concerned should advance the negotiations in a rational and pragmatic manner. I wish to emphasize the following three points.

First, the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities must be preserved. The MoU between the United States and Iran contains commitments to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, permanently cease military activities on all fronts, and establish a road map for negotiations and sanctions relief. China welcomes the MoU and highly appreciates the efforts made by Pakistan and other countries in the region. China urges all relevant parties to overcome disruptive factors, refrain from the use or threat of force, preserve and implement the MoU, reach a solution that accommodates the concerns of all parties, lift the sanctions against Iran at an early date, and achieve substantive progress in the political settlement process.

Second, uphold a correct understanding of right and wrong. The proper settlement of the Iranian Nuclear issue must respect the legitimate demands and lawful rights and interests of the parties concerned. Iran should continue to uphold its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. As a non-nuclear-weapon State party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Iran enjoys the legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme should be ensured through the rigorous safeguards and verification of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The United States' unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action triggered the current Iranian nuclear crisis. It was also the two rounds of military action by the United States against Iran that rendered Iran's nuclear facilities inaccessible to IAEA inspections. The United States should take concrete actions to create conditions for the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Third, the Security Council should play a constructive role. The MoU between the United States and Iran provides that a final agreement will be submitted to the Security Council for endorsement. This fully demonstrates the Security Council’s central role in the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. Security Council resolution 2231 expired and terminated on 18 October 2025, and the Council has ceased its consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue. The Security Council's immediate priority should be to uphold an objective and impartial position, provide time and space for diplomatic efforts, and foster a positive and enabling atmosphere for negotiations. It should not become an instrument for individual countries to advance their own political agendas or exert pressure.

President,

Since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, China has worked tirelessly to end the fighting and promote peace. As a participant in the JCPOA and a permanent member of the Security Council, China has consistently upheld an objective and impartial position, and has sent letters to the Security Council and the General Assembly on multiple occasions to set out its views and proposals concerning the resumption of negotiations and the preservation of a political solution. China will continue to play an active and constructive role in promoting lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and contribute its wisdom and strength to the peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Thank you, President.