Letter from Iran: High-stakes nuclear diplomacy

Iran’s oil is caught in the crosshairs of support from China and Russia and US maximum pressure, with options becoming more and more limited

Iran's nuclear talks have once again made headlines as US President Donald Trump has threatened Tehran with a deadline—either reach an agreement or face military action. His remarks have been met with strong reactions from Iranian officials, who have emphasised they will not negotiate under pressure. Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has rejected talks with the US, deeming it a "bullying" government. He also described negotiations with the US as unwise and dishonourable, expressions that make any form of negotiation particularly challenging for Iran’s moderate government. It will be China that decides whether to preserve Iran and defend Chinese companies dealing with the Middl