- Progress in Iran-US negotiations is unlikely before President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week.
- Any movement depends on the outcome of Trump's Beijing visit, according to a regional source.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to attend BRICS meetings in Delhi, alongside Saudi and Egyptian officials involved in backchannel efforts.
Waiting on Beijing
A regional source familiar with the matter said that Iran-US talks are effectively on hold until after Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping. "Any movement will depend on the outcome of Trump's Beijing visit," the source said, adding that China is seen as a key actor in keeping dialogue alive.
BRICS Diplomacy
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to attend BRICS foreign ministers' meetings in Delhi this week, coinciding with the Trump-Xi summit. Saudi and Egyptian officials, who are involved in backchannel mediation efforts with Pakistan's help, will also be present.
Broader Context
Trump and Xi discussed Iran directly in a recent call, with the US signaling pressure on China to help isolate Tehran. The US has also weighed possible military action, raising the stakes for diplomatic outcomes. Without a deal, the risk of escalation in the Middle East remains high, affecting oil markets and regional stability.
This article was updated to include details on the BRICS meeting timing.