China says US ‘aggravated’ Iran tensions

China is accusing the US of having”further aggravated” tensions over the Iran nuclear issue.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang says that China appreciated Iran’s “strict implementation” of its 2015 nuclear deal, which US President Donald Trump withdrew from a year ago.

Geng said China “calls on all parties concerned to exercise restraint” and avoid escalating tensions.

Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse in Beijing on May 13, 2018. (AFP Photo/Pool/Thomas Peter)

Geng’s comments came after Washington moved to deploy an aircraft carrier and a bomber wing to confront unspecified threats from Tehran and after Iran threatened Wednesday to resume higher enrichment of uranium in 60 days if world powers fail to negotiate new terms for the 2015 deal.

A key Iranian ally and trading partner, China was a signatory to the deal and continues to support it, along with Britain, Russia, the European Union, France and Germany.

— AP

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