Beijing: China on Monday reiterated its position that a diplomatic approach is the 'only way' to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue as Tehran, France, Germany, and the UK prepare for nuclear talks in Istanbul. "Iranian nuclear issue is concerned with peace and security in the Middle East and is also concerned with the international non-proliferation regime," China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Guo Jiakun stated during a news conference in Beijing. "We always believe diplomatic approach should be used to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and this is the only right way," Guo added.

According to Anadolu Agency, Beijing's statement emerged as Iran and the three European countries, collectively known as the E3, have agreed to resume nuclear talks this Friday in the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul. "We call on all parties to walk in the same direction and contribute to the political settlement track of the Iranian nuclear issue," Guo said.

In discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi last week, the top diplomats from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU emphasized the urgency of returning to diplomacy for a nuclear deal. They warned of their preparedness to trigger the UN 'snapback' mechanism, which would reimpose international sanctions if diplomatic efforts falter.

Previously, talks between Tehran and the US were conducted through Omani mediators until Israel's unexpected attack on Iran on June 13, initiating a 12-day conflict. The attack occurred just two days before a planned sixth round of negotiations in Omani capital, Muscat. Iran accused the US of complicity in the Israeli attack, which resulted in the deaths of top Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The US also launched strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites, claiming to have obliterated them. A ceasefire took effect on June 24.

While the US and European nations assert that Iran should never acquire a nuclear bomb, Tehran maintains that its program is intended for the peaceful use of nuclear power. After discussions with the E3 and EU, Araghchi remarked that it was the US that withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord. He stated that any new round of talks is only feasible "when the other side is ready for a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial nuclear deal."

"If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the 'snap-back' for which they lack absolutely no moral and legal ground," Araghchi commented on X.