Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov (left) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (centre) and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi at a meeting in March
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
Also in this section
24 December 2025
As activity in the US Gulf has stagnated at a lower level, the government is taking steps to encourage fresh exploration and bolster field development work
23 December 2025
The new government has brought stability and security to the country, with the door now open to international investment
23 December 2025
A third wave of LNG supply is coming, and with it a likely oversupply of the fuel by 2028
22 December 2025
Weakening climate resolve in the developed world and rapidly growing demand in developing countries means peak oil is still a long way away
