China plays key broker role in Iran nuclear deal

Beijing played the role of broker in a historic deal that Iran yesterday struck with six world powers aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for initial sanctions relief.

The agreement is the most significant development between the United States and Iran in more than three decades of estrangement between the nations.

China is one of the five UN Security Council committee members who along with Germany negotiated the deal for Tehran to limit uranium enrichment to low levels.

Analysts say China pulled off a delicate balancing act in the negotiations between Iran, seen by Beijing as a long-term partner, and the US.

Hua Liming, the former Chinese ambassador to Iran, told state media that China acted as a helping broker. "When the two parties came across irresolvable problems, they would come to China, which would 'lubricate' the negotiation and put things back on track," he said.

Beijing welcomed the breakthrough deal with Iran, saying it would "help safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East".