Beijing calls on US for 'sincerity' in talks with Tehran

China on Tuesday called on the U.S. to demonstrate 'sincerity' in the talks that Washington is set to begin Saturday in Oman with Iran regarding the nuclear issue.

'As the country that unilaterally withdrew from the comprehensive (Vienna) agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue and caused the current situation, the United States should demonstrate political sincerity' and 'mutual respect,' said Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian.

In 2018, during his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the unilateral withdrawal of the U.S. from the Vienna agreement concluded in 2015 under the aegis of the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, including China, during Obama's presidency. The U.S. and Iran have announced an unprecedented meeting on Saturday in Oman, described as 'direct' by Washington, 'indirect' by Tehran.

For its part, 'China continues to remain in contact with all concerned parties' with a view to a 'short-term diplomatic solution,' assured Lin. Washington should 'end its bad practice of using force to exert maximum pressure' in its negotiations, the spokesperson emphasized. The U.S. has recently intensified its strikes on the Houthi rebels in Yemen, allies of Tehran, and fueled speculations about possible strikes on Iran if no agreement is reached.