Beijing, Oct 13 (AFP) China today called on the UnitedStates to maintain its commitment to the Iranian nuclear deal,which President Donald Trump is expected to declare no longerin America's interest.
"We believe this deal is important to ensuring theinternational nuclear nonproliferation regime and regionalpeace and stability. We hope all parties can continue topreserve and implement this deal," foreign ministryspokeswoman Hua Chunying said during a regular press briefing.
China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, discussed the Iraniannuclear issue with US counterpart Rex Tillerson in a phonecall yesterday to prepare for Trump's November visit toBeijing, Hua said.
The agreement was signed between Iran and six worldpowers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US-- at talks coordinated by the European Union.
While the deal stalled Iran's nuclear programme andthawed relations between Tehran and its "Great Satan",opponents say it also prevented efforts to challenge Iranianinfluence in the Middle East.
US officials say Trump will not kill the internationalaccord outright, instead "decertifying" the agreement andleaving US lawmakers to decide its fate.
UN nuclear inspectors say Iran is meeting the technicalrequirements of its side of the bargain, dramaticallycurtailing its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctionsrelief.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani lashed out at his UScounterpart saying he was opposing "the whole world" by tryingto abandon the agreement. (AFP)CPS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.