This edition of the Farda Briefing looks at how Iran is seeking to reassure China that, even with a nuclear deal in place with the United States, Beijing will remain a key partner for Tehran.

China supports Iran holding talks on its nuclear program with the United States and opposes the use of force and "illegal" unilateral sanctions to try to resolve the issue, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday.

This is because Iran is also involved in talks over a deal with the US.Tehran is hedging, hoping to gain closer ties with China to shore up support for the Islamic Republic.Iranian state media heralded the meeting in Beijing.