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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Iran and China Challenge US as Alliance Grows
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit alongside key partners including Russia, marking a significant moment in Tehran's growing alliance with Beijing following its recent conflict with Israel. The visit highlights a strategic alignment as China continues purchasing Iranian oil and transferring missile-related materials and air-defense systems to Tehran, while Russia's presence signals Moscow's shared interest in challenging U.S. influence in the region. Newsweek has reached out to State Department for comment. Why It Matters Iran's growing partnership with China after its recent conflict with Israel—and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear targets— underscores Beijing's expanding influence in the Middle East. China's support provides Iran with crucial economic and military backing that stands to weaken U.S.-led sanctions and containment efforts. For Washington, this challenges American influence in a region vital to global energy and security. China's deepening involvement advances its strategic goals while complicating U.S. efforts to maintain dominance in the Middle East. In this photo released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks in a meeting with Tehran-based foreign diplomats, Iran, Saturday, July 12, 2025. In this photo released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks in a meeting with Tehran-based foreign diplomats, Iran, Saturday, July 12, 2025. Hamid Forootan/AP Photo What To Know Araghchi's visit to China provides Tehran with a high-profile platform to reframe its regional narrative and showcase its growing alignment with Beijing. Iran is expected to use this opportunity to advocate for broader security coordination among alliances and deepen its cooperation with Chinese leadership. Araghchi is set to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other leaders attending the SCO summit, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Defence Systems Following the ceasefire between Iran and Israel on June 24, multiple reports—including those from Middle East Eye and Israel Hayom—indicate that Iran has received Chinese-made surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, paid for in oil. While China's embassy has formally denied any arms sales to nations "engaged in warfare, China has also made clear that it "sells the J-10 aircraft only to friendly countries," as Iran seeks to acquire these fighter jets amid delays in Russian arms deliveries, signaling Tehran's efforts to broaden its military partnerships. SCO Challenge Founded in 2001, the SCO includes China, Russia, Iran, India, Pakistan and several Central Asian countries, serving as a platform for Beijing to deepen regional ties. For Iran, SCO membership offers greater diplomatic and economic engagement beyond Western institutions, helping Tehran bypass its current isolation. Last month, China hosted SCO defense ministers, underscoring its commitment to strengthening the bloc. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, center, leads other heads of defense including Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, right, and Iran Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, left, after a group photo ahead of the Defense Ministers' Meeting... Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, center, leads other heads of defense including Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, right, and Iran Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, left, after a group photo ahead of the Defense Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Members States in Qingdao, eastern China's Shandong province on Thursday, June 26, 2025. More Ng Han Guan/AP Photo What People Are Saying Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: "During this trip, in addition to participating in the meeting of foreign ministers and explaining our country's positions and views, the Foreign Minister will meet and discuss with the Chinese Foreign Minister and a number of other foreign ministers participating in the meeting," Bradley Bowman, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies: "For Beijing, strategic ambiguity is a feature, not a flaw ... quietly enabling Iran's missile ambitions." What Happens Next Tehran is set to expand its strategic partnership with Beijing, solidifying economic ties and deepening military-technical cooperation. This growing alliance challenges U.S. influence across the Middle East, even as Washington steps up sanctions enforcement. Meanwhile, the U.S. is intensifying collaboration with Gulf and Israeli partners to adapt to the region's shifting power dynamics.
Leaders
2 days ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Iran Willing to Resume Nuclear Talks with US under Guarantees of No Attacks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran would restart nuclear talks with the US if there were assurances of no more attacks against Iran, according to The Associated Press. Araqchi noted that Iran has always been ready and will be ready in the future for talks about its nuclear program. However, 'assurance should be provided that in case of a resumption of talks, the trend will not lead to war.' Israel Iran Conflict On June 13, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran under the name of Operation Rising Lion. The military campaign targeted Iran's nuclear facilities and killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists. The US became directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran on June 22 after launching airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Araqchi said that if the US and others wish to resume nuclear talks with Iran, 'first of all, there should be a firm guarantee that such actions will not be repeated.' In this context, he clarified that attacking Iran's nuclear facilities has made it more difficult and complicated to achieve a diplomatic solution based on negotiations. Deteriorated Relations between Tehran and IAEA Iranian relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have deteriorated since the United States and Israel attacked Iranian nuclear facilities in June in order to eliminate Iran's nuclear program. Moreover, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed a law suspending cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog, amid growing tensions. Then, Araqchi stated that Tehran intends to collaborate with the UN nuclear watchdog, but this cooperation would take on new form and would be guided and managed through the Supreme National Security Council, according to Reuters. He also noted that that access to Iranian Nuclear sites bombed by Israel and the US posed security and safety issues. According to the new law, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should have approval by the Supreme National Security Council for any future inspection of Iran's nuclear sites. In a speech to Tehran-based foreign diplomats, Araqchi emphasized Iran's need to resume uranium enrichment on its soil. Related Topics: Iranian Cooperation with IAEA to 'Take on New Form': FM Araqchi Israel Warns: Iran Could Retrieve Enriched Uranium After US Strikes Pressuring Iran is the Key to Stop Houthi Attacks: Col. Dahouk Short link : Post Views: 17
New York Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Iran says it would resume nuclear talks with US if guaranteed no further attacks
Iran's foreign minister said Saturday that his country would accept a resumption of nuclear talks with the US if there were assurances of no more attacks against it, state media reported. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a speech to Tehran-based foreign diplomats that Iran has always been ready and will be ready in the future for talks about its nuclear program, but, 'assurance should be provided that in case of a resumption of talks, the trend will not lead to war.' Referring to the 12-day Israeli bombardment of Iran's nuclear and military sites, and the US strike on June 22, Araghchi said that if the US and others wish to resume talks with Iran, 'first of all, there should be a firm guarantee that such actions will not be repeated. Advertisement The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has made it more difficult and complicated to achieve a solution based on negotiations.' 4 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks with diplomats in Tehran on July 12, 2025. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs/AFP via Getty Images 4 President Donald Trump hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a bilateral dinner at the White House on July 7, 2025. REUTERS Advertisement Following the strikes, Iran suspended cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, which led to the departure of inspectors. Araghchi said that under Iranian law, the country will answer the agency's request for cooperation 'case by case,' based on Iran's interests. He also said any inspection by the agency should be done based on Iran's 'security' concerns as well as the safety of the inspectors. 4 Iran's Fordow underground complex after the US strike on June 22, 2025. via REUTERS Advertisement 4 Iran's Isfahan nuclear enrichment facility and nearby tunnels after the US missile strike on June 24, 2025. Satellite image ©2025 Maxar Technologies/AFP via Getty Images 'The risk of proliferation of radioactive ingredients and an explosion of ammunition that remains from the war in the attacked nuclear sites is serious,' he said. He also reiterated Iran's position on the need to continue enriching uranium on its soil. President Donald Trump has insisted that cannot happen. Advertisement Israel claims it acted because Tehran was within reach of a nuclear weapon. US intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency had assessed Iran last had an organized nuclear weapons program in 2003, though Tehran had been enriching uranium up to 60% — a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in an interview published Monday said the US airstrikes so badly damaged his country's nuclear facilities that Iranian authorities still have not been able to access them to survey the destruction.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Iran would resume nuclear talks with US with guarantees
Iran's foreign minister says his country will resume nuclear talks with the US, if it gets assurances of no more attacks against it, state media reports. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a speech to Tehran-based foreign diplomats that Iran has always been ready and will be ready in the future for talks about its nuclear program, but, "assurance should be provided that in case of a resumption of talks, the trend will not lead to war". Referring to the 12-day Israeli bombardment of Iran's nuclear and military sites, and the US strike on June 22, Araghchi said that if the US and others wish to resume talks with Iran, "first of all, there should be a firm guarantee that such actions will not be repeated". "The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has made it more difficult and complicated to achieve a solution based on negotiations," he said. Following the strikes, Iran suspended co-operation with the UN nuclear watchdog, which led to the departure of inspectors. Araghchi said that under Iranian law, the country will answer the agency's request for co-operation "case by case", based on Iran's interests. He also said any inspection by the agency should be done based on Iran's "security" concerns as well as the safety of the inspectors. "The risk of proliferation of radioactive ingredients and an explosion of ammunition that remains from the war in the attacked nuclear sites is serious," he said. Israel claims it acted because Tehran was within reach of a nuclear weapon. US intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency had assessed Iran last had an organised nuclear weapons program in 2003, though Tehran had been enriching uranium up to 60 per cent - a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US airstrikes so badly damaged his country's nuclear facilities that Iranian authorities still have not been able to access them to survey the destruction. with AP Iran's foreign minister says his country will resume nuclear talks with the US, if it gets assurances of no more attacks against it, state media reports. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a speech to Tehran-based foreign diplomats that Iran has always been ready and will be ready in the future for talks about its nuclear program, but, "assurance should be provided that in case of a resumption of talks, the trend will not lead to war". Referring to the 12-day Israeli bombardment of Iran's nuclear and military sites, and the US strike on June 22, Araghchi said that if the US and others wish to resume talks with Iran, "first of all, there should be a firm guarantee that such actions will not be repeated". "The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has made it more difficult and complicated to achieve a solution based on negotiations," he said. Following the strikes, Iran suspended co-operation with the UN nuclear watchdog, which led to the departure of inspectors. Araghchi said that under Iranian law, the country will answer the agency's request for co-operation "case by case", based on Iran's interests. He also said any inspection by the agency should be done based on Iran's "security" concerns as well as the safety of the inspectors. "The risk of proliferation of radioactive ingredients and an explosion of ammunition that remains from the war in the attacked nuclear sites is serious," he said. Israel claims it acted because Tehran was within reach of a nuclear weapon. US intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency had assessed Iran last had an organised nuclear weapons program in 2003, though Tehran had been enriching uranium up to 60 per cent - a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US airstrikes so badly damaged his country's nuclear facilities that Iranian authorities still have not been able to access them to survey the destruction. with AP Iran's foreign minister says his country will resume nuclear talks with the US, if it gets assurances of no more attacks against it, state media reports. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a speech to Tehran-based foreign diplomats that Iran has always been ready and will be ready in the future for talks about its nuclear program, but, "assurance should be provided that in case of a resumption of talks, the trend will not lead to war". Referring to the 12-day Israeli bombardment of Iran's nuclear and military sites, and the US strike on June 22, Araghchi said that if the US and others wish to resume talks with Iran, "first of all, there should be a firm guarantee that such actions will not be repeated". "The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has made it more difficult and complicated to achieve a solution based on negotiations," he said. Following the strikes, Iran suspended co-operation with the UN nuclear watchdog, which led to the departure of inspectors. Araghchi said that under Iranian law, the country will answer the agency's request for co-operation "case by case", based on Iran's interests. He also said any inspection by the agency should be done based on Iran's "security" concerns as well as the safety of the inspectors. "The risk of proliferation of radioactive ingredients and an explosion of ammunition that remains from the war in the attacked nuclear sites is serious," he said. Israel claims it acted because Tehran was within reach of a nuclear weapon. US intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency had assessed Iran last had an organised nuclear weapons program in 2003, though Tehran had been enriching uranium up to 60 per cent - a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US airstrikes so badly damaged his country's nuclear facilities that Iranian authorities still have not been able to access them to survey the destruction. with AP Iran's foreign minister says his country will resume nuclear talks with the US, if it gets assurances of no more attacks against it, state media reports. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a speech to Tehran-based foreign diplomats that Iran has always been ready and will be ready in the future for talks about its nuclear program, but, "assurance should be provided that in case of a resumption of talks, the trend will not lead to war". Referring to the 12-day Israeli bombardment of Iran's nuclear and military sites, and the US strike on June 22, Araghchi said that if the US and others wish to resume talks with Iran, "first of all, there should be a firm guarantee that such actions will not be repeated". "The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has made it more difficult and complicated to achieve a solution based on negotiations," he said. Following the strikes, Iran suspended co-operation with the UN nuclear watchdog, which led to the departure of inspectors. Araghchi said that under Iranian law, the country will answer the agency's request for co-operation "case by case", based on Iran's interests. He also said any inspection by the agency should be done based on Iran's "security" concerns as well as the safety of the inspectors. "The risk of proliferation of radioactive ingredients and an explosion of ammunition that remains from the war in the attacked nuclear sites is serious," he said. Israel claims it acted because Tehran was within reach of a nuclear weapon. US intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency had assessed Iran last had an organised nuclear weapons program in 2003, though Tehran had been enriching uranium up to 60 per cent - a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US airstrikes so badly damaged his country's nuclear facilities that Iranian authorities still have not been able to access them to survey the destruction. with AP
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Iran says it would resume nuclear talks with US if guaranteed no further attacks
TEHRAN: Iran's foreign minister said Saturday that his country would accept a resumption of nuclear talks with the U.S. if there were assurances of no more attacks against it, state media reported. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a speech to Tehran-based foreign diplomats that Iran has always been ready and will be ready in the future for talks about its nuclear program, but, 'assurance should be provided that in case of a resumption of talks, the trend will not lead to war.' Referring to the 12-day Israeli bombardment of Iran's nuclear and military sites, and the U.S. strike on June 22, Araghchi said that if the U.S. and others wish to resume talks with Iran, "first of all, there should be a firm guarantee that such actions will not be repeated. The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has made it more difficult and complicated to achieve a solution based on negotiations.' Following the strikes, Iran suspended cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, which led to the departure of inspectors.
