Iran and the US have been spiralling downwards in terms of relations over the last month as Donald Trump has increased the pressure on the country with a series of economic sanctions. US President Trump has ordered all countries to halt their oil exports to Iran and has even sent a strike force to the region. Speaking to Russian media ahead of his visit to the country, Xi admitted he fears the current situation between the two countries.
The President said: “The development of the situation is worrying.”
The breakdown in ties between Iran and the US began to worsen after Trump pulled the US out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran.
Signed in 2016, the plan was created in order to stop the proliferation of nuclear material between Iran and the other world powers.
Speaking on the treaty, Xi insisted the accord must be fully respected as it promotes stability in the region.
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He added: “China and Russia’s views and positions on the Iran nuclear issue are highly aligned, and both hope that all relevant parties remain rational and exercise restraint, step up dialogue and consultations and lower the temperature on the present tense situation.”
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also accused the Middle Eastern state of being behind an attack on four oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.
In retaliation, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, insisted sanctions against the country were a form of “economic terrorism”.
He added: “Economic Terrorism against Iran targets innocent civilians.
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“This is Donald Trump’s economic war”.
“And war and talks – with or without preconditions – don’t go together.”
Relations between China and the US too, have been on a knife edge as both are currently locked in a trade war.
The Chinese President concluded: “China will continue to firmly safeguard its own legitimate and lawful rights and interests.”