Iran’s top nuclear negotiator heads to China to seek opposition to possible sanctions

Iran’s top nuclear negotiator heads to China

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s state media says the country’s top nuclear negotiator is heading to China to discuss possible U.N. sanctions against Tehran over its disputed nuclear program.

Iranian state television reported Wednesday that Saeed Jalili will travel to China Thursday for talks with senior Chinese officials “concerning the nuclear program.”

The U.S. and other Western powers are pushing for a new round of U.N. sanctions on Iran over its defiance to halt its uranium enrichment program.

China wields veto power on the Security council and has been a vocal opponent of sanctions on Iran. U.S. officials have said they believe Beijing may be changing its stance.

The U.S. and some of its allies accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has denies the charges.