WANA (Apr 09) – Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, said that regular and active cooperation between Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran has helped reduce the risk of escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and deterred hardliners from taking reckless actions.

 

In an interview early Wednesday, Ulyanov confirmed that trilateral consultations between Russia, China, and Iran will continue regularly. His remarks followed a trilateral meeting held in Moscow on Tuesday, where representatives from the three nations discussed various aspects of Iran’s nuclear dossier.

 

“I am confident that trilateral cooperation will continue on a regular basis, especially given that this year will not be an easy one,” Ulyanov stated. He pointed out that the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, along with UN Security Council Resolution 2231 that endorsed it, is set to expire on October 18, 2025.

 

The Russian diplomat emphasized that this trilateral format plays a key role in maintaining international stability around Iran’s nuclear program. “Our joint cooperation significantly contributes to calming tensions and prevents certain extremist elements from acting irresponsibly,” he added.

 

Ulyanov also said it is unlikely that the trilateral format will expand to include other countries, describing the mechanism as “self-sufficient” due to the pivotal roles played by Iran, Russia, and China in addressing the issue on the international stage. He acknowledged, however, that broader multilateral meetings may still be held, although they would not replace the trilateral consultations.

 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian also expressed Beijing’s support for Russia’s initiative in organizing expert-level trilateral talks with Iran. “We welcome these expert-level consultations organized by Russia and support their efforts to promote a political and diplomatic resolution to Iran’s nuclear issue,” Lin said at a press briefing. He also affirmed China’s commitment to intensifying diplomatic efforts to help resolve the matter.

 

Meanwhile, reports on Monday confirmed that the United States and Iran have agreed to hold their first round of bilateral talks on April 12. The meeting, to take place in Oman, will be led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff.

 

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also voiced support for direct talks between Washington and Tehran, emphasizing Russia’s preference for a political and diplomatic solution. “Without a doubt, we welcome this process,” Peskov said. “We have always maintained that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through political and diplomatic means, and if such talks begin, they are to be welcomed.”