Middle East

Iran and China sign 25-year-deal and send a message to the US


A long-discussed trade, investment and defence pact signed between Iran and China over the weekend provides Tehran more breathing room as it attempts to fend off American pressure to return to the nuclear deal without preconditions.

But it remains unclear what if any concrete immediate changes the 25-year deal signed between Beijing and Tehran will entail.

“The deal is significant. The timing is important,” said Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, a London-based analyst and economic development specialist focusing on Iran and Central Asia.

“Iran is trying to signal that it has partners even at a time of tension and difficulty. At the same time, this is an effort by Iran to catch up with other countries. It is not a signal that Iran and China are to have a uniquely deep and expansive relationship.”

Asked about the strengthening of ties between Iran and China, United States President Joe Biden on Sunday replied that he’s “been concerned about that for years”.



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