Sun Lei, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, spoke at an open meeting of the Security Council on the Iranian nuclear issue on the 10th, urging the maintenance of a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Sun Lei said that while the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran had initially eased tensions in the Middle East, the ceasefire has since been disrupted, and the prospects for negotiations remain complex. Whether the Iranian nuclear issue can be properly resolved is crucial to the return of peace and stability to the Middle East and to the common interests of the international community. Relevant parties should proceed with negotiations in a rational and pragmatic manner. The US-Iran memorandum of understanding pledges to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, permanently cease all military activities on all fronts, and sets a roadmap for negotiations and the lifting of sanctions. China urges all relevant parties to eliminate interfering factors, refrain from resorting to force or the threat of force, uphold and implement the outcomes of the memorandum of understanding, reach a solution that takes into account mutual concerns, lift sanctions against Iran as soon as possible, and promote substantial progress in the political settlement process.
He said that properly handling the Iranian nuclear issue requires respecting the reasonable demands and legitimate rights of the parties involved. Iran should continue to adhere to its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. Iran enjoys the legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The United States should take concrete actions to create conditions for a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. The Security Council's immediate priority is to uphold an objective and impartial stance, buy time and space for diplomatic efforts, create a positive and favorable atmosphere for negotiations, and avoid becoming a tool for individual countries to advance their own political agendas and exert pressure.
Before the meeting began, the Russian representative pointed out that Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear issue, had expired, and the Iranian nuclear issue had been removed from the Security Council's agenda. The Russian representative requested a procedural vote on the meeting agenda. Sun Lei subsequently spoke, supporting Russia's position.
Sun Lei stated that China has repeatedly reiterated that Security Council Resolution 2231 expired on October 18, 2025, and the Security Council has ceased its review of the Iranian nuclear issue. The UN Secretary-General should cease submitting relevant reports. The current situation in the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear issue are at a critical juncture, and the Security Council should play a constructive role in promoting negotiations and easing tensions. The insistence of certain Security Council members on holding a meeting under a terminated agenda item under the pretext of so-called "support for diplomatic efforts" not only exacerbates the division within the Security Council but also undermines the negotiating atmosphere and seriously hinders the political settlement process of the Iranian nuclear issue. China is deeply concerned about this. China urges relevant countries to cease their political manipulation within the Security Council, earnestly implement the measures related to the "termination date" of Resolution 2231, uphold the authority of the Security Council and the credibility of multilateral diplomacy, and create favorable conditions for a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
China voted against the resolution in the procedural vote on the meeting's agenda.
