President,

At present, the situation in the Middle East remains tense, with spillover effects spreading constantly and severely impacting peace and stability in the region and the world at large. The negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are in a deadlock, while rhetoric about contemplating a new round of military strikes against Iran has further heightened tensions and is deeply concerning.

The Iranian nuclear issue, as one of the points of contention between the U.S. and Iran, was put on the negotiating table several times, yet those opportunities were missed repeatedly. The parties should draw lessons from history, adhere unswervingly to true multilateralism and the overall direction of political settlement, work to stop the fighting and promote talks, and revitalize diplomatic efforts. I wish to stress the following points.

First, we must uphold objectivity and impartiality and distinguish right from wrong. The U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), resumed and constantly intensified unilateral sanctions against Iran, resorted to “maximum pressure,” and violated the agreement that it had itself helped reach. This is the root cause of the current predicament. The E3 failed to fulfill their obligations under the JCPOA, yet went along with the U.S. in imposing unilateral sanctions against Iran. Their so-called “snapback” is legally and procedurally flawed, and has severely undermined the unity and credibility of the Security Council. The U.S. and Israel carried out military strikes twice on Iran's nuclear facilities that were under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, which is the direct cause of the Agency's inability to carry out safeguards on the relevant Iranian nuclear facilities. Some countries, in disregard of these basic facts, forced through a resolution on safeguards in Iran at the IAEA purely out of political motivations, which undermined the cooperative relations between the IAEA and Iran and further escalated the crisis. This practice of abusing the IAEA is extremely irresponsible.

Second, we must abandon double standards and seek a comprehensive solution. The experience of the JCPOA and Security Council resolution 2231 proves that political and diplomatic means are the only way out for the Iranian nuclear issue. The core objectives and purposes established in the relevant documents should not be abandoned, and important principles such as the step-by-step approach, reciprocity, and the balance between rights and obligations should continue to be upheld. We must balance the objectives of nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Iran should fulfill its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, and all parties should also respect Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). We need to view objectively Iran's difficulties in areas such as restoring safeguards and verification, and support the IAEA Secretariat and Iran in resolving relevant issues through strengthened dialogue and cooperation. The U.S. should commit not to use force against Iran again, to ensure that safeguards activities are carried out effectively in an environment free from the coercion of force.

Third, we must firmly oppose the use of force and resolve the security predicament in the Middle East through dialogue and negotiation. At present, the Palestinian-Israeli peace process is struggling, the foundation of the two-state solution has been severely eroded, the dark clouds of conflict between the U.S. and Iran have yet to disperse, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted, and tensions in Yemen and the Red Sea continue to escalate, all of which impact global energy security, the geopolitical landscape, and the international order. Renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran will only bring greater catastrophe to the Middle East, run counter to the shared desire of countries in the region for peace, dialogue, and justice, and compound the global economic, energy, and food challenges. In the face of such a situation, the Security Council must act with reason and resolve, stop the threat of force and unilateral military actions, speak with one voice and take concrete actions to advance the process of dialogue and negotiation and boost the momentum for political settlement, and make unremitting efforts to restore peace and tranquility in the Middle East and Gulf region at an early date.

President,

As a permanent member of the Security Council, China will actively implement the series of initiatives and proposals on peace and stability in the Middle East put forward by President Xi Jinping, and continue to make China's contribution to achieving lasting peace and stability, development, and prosperity in the Middle East. As a participant in the JCPOA, China will continue to take concrete actions to uphold the authority of the Council as well as fairness and justice, and work tirelessly to promote the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Thank you, President.