BEIJING (REUTERS) - The Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, told Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday (May 17) that China resolutely opposes unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States.

China supports Iran to safeguard its legitimate rights and understands Iran's situation, Mr Wang Yi said in a meeting with Mr Zarif in Beijing, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

Tensions have escalated in recent days with increasing concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict.

Iran has said it is committed to its obligations under an international nuclear deal despite the US withdrawal from the landmark agreement last year, and has called the reimposition of US sanctions unacceptable.