WEB DESK

Iran and China have agreed to cooperate to maintain the Iranian nuclear deal. Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Sunday.

Iran has been in discussions with countries involved in the 2015 agreement in an attempt to save the deal after the US withdrawal.

Zarif told Wang that maintaining the nuclear deal will serve Iran’s interest. He also said Iran should receive economic benefits promised in the accord, even if the US reinstates sanctions.

Wang replied China is willing to maintain coordination with all relevant parties to continue to safeguard the agreement.

China has maintained investment and trade relations with Iran, even under the economic sanctions from Western nations before the nuclear deal. Analysts say China’s presence in Iran will grow when the US imposes sanctions.

Zarif is scheduled to talk with Russia on Monday about the nuclear deal. He will also have similar discussions with France, Germany and Britain on Tuesday.