IRAN’S FOREIGN MINISTER SEEKS MORE TALKS ON NUCLEAR DEAL

BEIJING: Iran’s foreign minister Javad Zarif sought further talks after failing to win any concrete assurance to help tackle the US threat of economic sanctions over its nuclear programme.

The meeting with Wang Yi in Beijing is Zarif’s first stop on a diplomatic tour after US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 deal to limit Iran’s nuclear programme and threatened to reimpose the “highest level” of financial sanctions. Zarif is scheduled to meet the British, French and German foreign ministers on May 15 in Brussels.

“We hope that with this visit to China and other countries we will be able to construct a clear future design for the comprehensive agreement,” Zarif said.

China offered to hold strategic talks with Iran but did not disclose whether Beijing might scale back imports in light of renewed US sanctions.

“I hope and believe that these visits to multiple countries will improve countries’, including China’s, understanding of Iran’s position,” Wang said. “It will allow you to make your own positive contribution to help protect Iran’s legitimate national interests and peace and stability in the region.”

China offers Iran an alternative to trade with the US and Europe. Commerce between Iran and China has more than doubled since 2006 to $28 billion with oil exports from Iran valued at $11 billion a year.