Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Baqei Kani underlined that Tehran and Beijing are reliable partners in trade and economic fields.

"Iran and China, as reliable partners, share views on the illegal nature of US sanctions and the significance of the rule of law in international relations," Baqeri Kani tweeted.

He pointed out that Tehran and Beijing would continue consultations on a range of issues, particularly in the international arena, the Iranian diplomat said.

Baqeri Kani made the remarks while explaining about a phone call he had with China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.

"In a friendly and fruitful phone conversation with Mr. Ma Zhaoxu, China’s vice-minister of foreign affairs, I appreciated China's positive stance and constructive interaction," the Iranian deputy foreign minister added.

He reiterated that the two sides also emphasized the need for the removal of sanctions imposed on Iranian individuals and entities as well as third parties, and also to assure that such bans would never be repeated.

In a clear violation of the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, the US refuses to remove the anti-Iran sanctions it re-imposed against Tehran following its withdrawal from the deal in 2018.