The US asks China to pressure Iran regarding the conflict in the Middle East.
The Washington Post reports that US Treasury Secretary Scott Besson, backed by Donald Trump, has asked Beijing to put diplomatic pressure on Tehran to stop the fighting. According to reports, the Chinese leadership has already conveyed this message to Iran.
The issue was discussed during Trump's meeting with President Xi Jinping in Washington last September. Xi apparently privately agreed on the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. As the largest buyer of Iran's oil, China holds significant economic leverage. A decision is also in Beijing's interest due to threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and potential disruptions in energy supply.