Iran, China and Russia huddle for nuclear talks while UN meets behind closed doors on possible sanctions

Iran, Russia and China are set to hold high-level talks in Beijing Friday to discuss Tehran's near-nuclear capabilities. 

That meeting, which was requested by the U.S. and its allies, could discuss the triggering of so-called snapback sanctions - sanctions that were lifted under the JCPOA. 

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will preside over the meeting, with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in attendance. 

Tehran has provided Moscow with drones and missiles for its offensive in Ukraine. And China, Iran and Russia conducted joint naval drills on Monday. 

The meetings follow an unsuccessful attempt by Trump to restart talks on a new nuclear deal. Iran recently rebuffed a letter Trump sent on the matter and said it would not negotiate with "bullying" countries. 

Trump has insisted he'd prefer diplomacy, but will not rule out military tactics to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. 

"If we have to go to the military option, it will be very, very bad for [Iran]," he said. 

Tehran still denies it is pursuing a nuclear weapon, but experts have said there is no civilian use for 60% enriched uranium. 

Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Dmitry Peskov said Moscow had agreed to assist the U.S. in communicating with Iran on its nuclear program.

"It is clear that Iran is seeking negotiations based on mutual respect, constructive negotiations," Peskov said of possible nuclear talks.