On March 16, 2021, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu had a phone conversation with U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley at the latter's request, and the two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the Iranian nuclear issue. Ma Zhaoxu said that the nuclear situation in Iran is at a critical juncture. All parties should work together to initiate Iran's return to compliance in a step-by-step and reciprocal approach, and push the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) back on track. The early implementation of some preliminary measures by relevant parties will be conducive to building mutual trust and effectively fulfilling the above objectives. China will continue to play its constructive role for it. The two sides agreed to stay in communication on this issue.