The Iran-China-Russia Axis Crumbles When It Matters
AtlanticJUN 26
Iran, Russia, China Hold Nuclear Talks Amid Sanctions Threat
Above: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a meeting in Beijing on March 14, 2025. Image copyright: POOL/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Iran narrative
Iran's nuclear program represents legitimate peaceful energy development that has been unfairly targeted by severe Western sanctions and military strikes. The trilateral meeting demonstrates growing international support for Iran's sovereign rights, as Russia and China recognize the illegal nature of European threats to reimpose sanctions after they themselves failed to uphold the 2015 nuclear agreement commitments.
Anti-Iran narrative
Iran's nuclear activities pose a serious proliferation threat that requires coordinated international pressure to prevent weaponization. The trilateral meeting reveals Iran's desperation to avoid accountability through authoritarian partnerships, while the snapback mechanism provides necessary leverage to force compliance with nuclear restrictions and prevent regional destabilization.