The US have claimed that China is stalling efforts to get to a third round of UN sanctions against Iran for refusing to give up a country’s right to generate nuclear electricity. The five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany were set to discuss further sanctions against Iran this week in London following the release of a report from the International Atomic Energy Association. The report expressed the transparency of Iran’s nuclear program however some questions remained over Iranian nuclear work. It was reported that China pulled out of the six party talks to ‘digest and analyze’ information gathered during recent talks with Iran but have since agreed to meet in London to discuss the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
Of the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany involved in talks, China and Russia have aligned by seeking more time for diplomacy while the US, France, Germany and the UK are determined to go ahead with another round of sanctions against Iran. China believes that Iran has the right to produce nuclear energy in a peaceful manner, meanwhile the US and Western allies have asserted their suspicions over Iran’s nuclear program.
Amidst the multilateral talks over the future of Iran’s nuclear ambitions is the modernization of Iran’s air force. Due to Western sanctions and pressure, Iran is looking to China and Russia to bolster its air defences, seeking to replace its obsolete US Jets. Paradoxically by purchasing aircraft from China, Iran may end up with similar technology developed by Israel.
