Following Trump's demands for nuclear talks with Tehran, China and Russia have stood by Iran's right to use nuclear energy after a Friday meeting in Beijing.

Beijing sought to position itself as a key player in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, as President Trump called for talks with Tehran.

China, Iran and Russia called for diplomacy over “pressure and threats” and an end to “all illegal unilateral sanctions” following talks on Tehran’s nuclear program Friday in Beijing, Chinese state media said.