Senior diplomats from Iran, China and Russia called for an end to US sanctions on Tehran on Friday, following talks over Iran's nuclear programme, it comes as Tehran rejected negotiations with Washington on the issue.

China is hosting diplomats from Iran and Russia for talks on Iran’s nuclear program Friday as Beijing aims to position itself as a power broker on an issue seen internationally as a pressing security concern.

China and Russia stood by Iran on Friday after the United States demanded nuclear talks with Tehran, with senior Chinese and Russian diplomats saying dialogue should only resume based on "mutual respect" and all sanctions ought to be lifted.