China hopes the U.S. will take sincere actions on Iran, including the removal of unilateral sanctions, and wishes the two countries can move forward in a step-by-step and reciprocal manner, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Wang made the remarks at a virtual press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The Iranian nuclear issue is a sensitive issue that affects the whole situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Wang said.

In the past four years, the U.S. broke its promise by pulling out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – more commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal – and has imposed maximum pressure on Iran, which led to escalation of tensions in the region. 

Although the Biden administration said it would return to the JCPOA, there remain sharp differences between the U.S. and Iran.

"We hope the U.S. side will demonstrate sincerity by taking actions as quickly as possible, including removing the unjustified unilateral sanctions and the 'long-arm jurisdiction' on third-party entities and individuals," he said.

"Iran, on its part, also needs to resume full compliance and take up its nuclear non-proliferation responsibilities," he added. 

But the JCPOA is certainly not a panacea for all problems in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Wang pointed out. 

"For other issues concerning regional security, China has proposed the establishment of a multilateral dialogue platform in the Gulf region, provided the JCPOA is preserved. Various parties can use this platform to manage differences and de-escalate tensions through consultation and jointly uphold regional peace and stability," he noted.