“The Iranian nuclear issue is concerned with peace and security in the Middle East and is also concerned with the international non-proliferation regime,” said Guo during a news conference in Beijing on Monday.

“We always believe a diplomatic approach should be used to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, and this is the only right way,” he said.

He added, “We call on all parties to walk in the same direction and contribute to the political settlement track of the Iranian nuclear issue.”

Beijing’s statement came as Iran and the three European countries, collectively known as the E3 (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom), have agreed to resume nuclear talks this Friday in Istanbul, Turkiye.