Both the United States and Iran want the other to make the first move. But even if the Biden administration were to lift sanctions tomorrow, international investors will not return to the Iranian market quickly. They fear a new Republican administration in the U.S. will scuttle the program again.

The United States wants Iran make the first concession — such as ending its uranium enrichment activities. That would be significant for Iran. But because of mistrust, Iran is likely to wait for the U.S. to make the first move.

China has its own reasons for strategic cooperation with Iran, and undermining the United States is not one of them. It is true, however, that Iran wants the U.S. to lift all sanctions, and the U.S. has signaled that it may be ready to concede.

The news of an agreement struck between two of America’s adversaries made waves and raised the alarm for a potential showdown, but the potential for military coordination isn’t the main focus of the agreement.

American airstrikes took place in Syria, but there’s no question they were intended to send a message to Iran and Russia. It’s clear the U.S. intends to reassert its influence in the Middle East.

Mixing questions about nuclear reactors and missiles with matters involving Iran’s political system is a recipe for failure. Separating the issues will allow the U.S. to return to the Iran deal more easily, while addressing other concerns in a different forum.

U.S. return to the Iran nuclear deal could be difficult. Much has changed in the world in the past four years, including the recent assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist. China’s help may be needed more than ever.

Iran fears accepting any American offer of help with the coronavirus epidemic because it believes its archenemy would not be sincere, but rather use any aid as leverage to undermine the regime. That fear is not unfounded.

Scholars speak of the old Chinese idea of wangdao — an enlightened and benevolent power. But this does not require China to become a new hegemon that someday replaces the United States. China can help the world by earning the trust of others.