Following Iran Nuclear Talks, China’s Support For Tehran Returns To The Spotlight

(Iliya Jazaeri and Reid Standish – RFE/RL) As the latest nuclear talks ended in Geneva on February 17, the United States is looking at tightening pressure on Iran’s discounted crude exports to China, seen as central to Tehran’s economic survival. More than 80 percent of Iranian oil exports go to China. According to a report from Axios citing American officials, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed that Washington would work to reduce Iranian oil sales to China, which could significantly increase pressure on Tehran. Asked about the report, China’s Foreign Ministry said on February 16 that “normal cooperation between countries conducted within the framework of international law is reasonable and legitimate, and should be respected and protected.” –Following Iran Nuclear Talks, China’s Support For Tehran Returns To The Spotlight