Mr. Chair,

China takes note of the report on verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 submitted by Director General Grossi.

At present, negotiations on resuming the implementation of the JCPOA have come to a deadlock, and the uncertainty of the Iranian nuclear situation is prominent. China believes that the JCPOA is the only correct way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, with no alternative. Parties concerned should firmly uphold the authority and effectiveness of the JCPOA and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, and stick to the right direction of dialogue and negotiation. The unilateral withdraw of the US from the JCPOA, which triggers Iran’s countermeasures by resuming nuclear activities, is the fundamental reason of the current predicament. The US should make a political decision, adopt a rational and pragmatic attitude, and push the JCPOA back on track.

China firmly opposes the use of the Iranian nuclear issue by certain countries to advance their geopolitical agenda. Linking the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue with other issues runs counter to the original intention of reaching a comprehensive agreement. It will seriously damage the process of talks on resuming compliance with the JCPOA, and even lead to all previous diplomatic efforts on the Iranian nuclear issue for naught. Parties concerned should cut out distractions, stay focused and return to the right track of tackling the Iranian nuclear issue separately from other issues.

Facts have proved that exerting pressure and showing strength will only fall into a vicious circle, leading to escalating tensions. We urge parties concerned to keep calm and exercise restraint, create necessary conditions and a favorable environment for the resumption of negotiations, and buy time and space for diplomatic efforts. We should support the IAEA in strengthening dialogues and cooperation with Iran, and pay attention to the positive signals released by the series of positive progress in recent cooperation between the two sides. At the same time, China believes that the politicization of safeguards issues must be resolutely opposed, so as to prevent relevant issues from disrupting the negotiation process.

China firmly upholds the authority and effectiveness of the JCPOA and Security Council Resolution 2231, and plays a constructive role in advancing the negotiations. Recently, China has maintained close communication with parties concerned on the Iranian nuclear issue, to actively promote talks. China will continue to make unremitting efforts to promote the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. At the same time, China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction", and will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

Thank you, Mr Chair.