Iran has received a geopolitical boost from two summits in two continents. At the G7 in Montreal, US efforts to secure the buy-in of key allies on Iran sanctions took a hit, whilst in China, Iran held crucial talks with Russia and major Asian economies.

The 9-10 June annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) offered Iran an invaluable opportunity for discussions with key eastern partners. At the same time as US President Trump was alienating the European parties to the Iran nuclear agreement at the G7 summit, Iranian counterpart Hassan Rohani was wooing Chinese and Russian officials.

Although not a member of the SCO, Iran was granted observer status in 2005 and applied for full membership in 2008. Alongside China and Russia, the eight full members include major Asian oil and gas importers India and Pakistan. Mr Rohani left...