Representatives of China, Russia and Iran called Friday for an end to U.S. sanctions on Iran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program and a restart to multinational talks on the issue. The talks are the latest attempt to broach the matter and come after U.

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 has called for “illegal” sanctions against Iran to be lifted after the country’s leaders met in Beijing. Representatives of Russia and Iran were hosted by China this week as the three countries “exchanged views on the Iran nuclear issue and other issues of common concern,” according to Chinese State Media.