Iran Confirms Nuclear Talks With China, Russia After Rebuking Trump

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Iran will hold trilateral nuclear talks with China and Russia in Beijing on March 14, days after rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump's offer for renewed negotiations.

The meeting, confirmed by Iran and China, will focus on nuclear developments and related issues, according to officials from the three nations.

Newsweek reached out the Iranian, Russian and Chinese foreign ministries for comment via email.

Why It Matters

The talks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. over nuclear policy and sanctions. With Tehran resisting Washington's diplomatic overtures and accelerating its nuclear program, global concerns over the region's stability continue to grow. Trump has reinstated his administration's "maximum pressure" strategy, which aims to cripple Iran economically, while also threatening Iran with military action.

Mao Ning, China's first foreign office spokeswoman, answers questions from journalists on 12 March 2025, in Beijing, China. Johannes Neudecker/AP Photo

What to Know

China's foreign ministry announced that Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will preside over the discussions, with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in attendance. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei confirmed that the agenda will include "developments related to the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions."

Trump's Letter

The meeting follows Trump's recent attempt to restart negotiations. Last week, he sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei offering talks on a revised nuclear deal. Iran rejected the offer, calling Trump's approach "bullying."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also rebuffed Trump's outreach, stating: "It is unacceptable for us that they give orders and make threats. I won't even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want."

Joint Military Drills

Meanwhile, China, Iran and Russia held joint naval drills in the Middle East, demonstrating military cooperation amid regional tensions. The exercises, called "Maritime Security Belt 2025," took place in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for the global oil trade.

"For two days, the crews of the warships conducted both daytime and nighttime live-fire exercises, using heavy machine guns and small arms to engage targets simulating unmanned boats and aerial drones of a mock adversary," a Russian statement said.

Iranian navy soldiers hold the Chinese flags — Iranian navy soldiers hold Chinese flags while welcoming a Chinese warship attending a joint naval drill with Iran and Russia in an official arrival ceremony at Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar in the Gulf of... Vahid Salemi/AP Photo

What People Are Saying

China's foreign office spokesperson stated: "The three parties will exchange views on the Iranian nuclear issue and other issues of mutual interest."

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said: The three-way talks on Friday will focus on "developments related to the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions."

U.S. President Donald Trump warned: "If we have to go to the military option, it will be very, very bad for them (Iran)."

What Happens Next

The Beijing meeting will provide a platform for Iran, China and Russia to coordinate their approach to nuclear policy amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. While Tehran remains firm in rejecting Washington's demands, the international community continues to push for a diplomatic resolution.