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Will Iran look east if nuclear deal talks fail? 

The European Union’s deputy foreign policy chief was in Tehran this week, but there are indications that Iran may be preparing backup options. 
 ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

In a last-ditch effort to get the Iran nuclear deal back on track, Enrique Mora, the European Union’s deputy foreign policy chief, was in Tehran this week for a four-day visit. Yet signs of growing ties with China that came just before his visit indicate Iran may be prepping for backup options. 

Since Iran refuses to directly engage in talks with the United States, Mora has been the main intermediary for almost a year on efforts to revive the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Mora’s latest effort may be the “last bullet” for breaking the impasse.  

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