From 13 to 17 May, Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif carried out a multi-state tour of diplomatic consultations to explore the ways to expand the scale of mutual cooperation between Iran and its close partners. On 13 May, Zarif met with Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow in Ashgabat and discussed ways to expand bilateral relations, as well as the current developments in the region and across the globe. On 14 May, the Iranian FM met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and held “constructive” discussions on all bilateral issues of mutual interests. They signed a dozen agreements and a trilateral agreement with Afghanistan. On 16 May, Zarif met with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in Tokyo and with his counterpart FM Taro Kono. They discussed Iran’s situation and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). Both agreed on that “it is essential to maintain this scheme, not only for our [Japan and Iran] bilateral relations but also for the international nonproliferation regime and peace and stability in the Middle East.” Japan’s PM told Zarif that “Japan would like to maintain, and develop its traditionally friendly ties with Iran”, read Reuters. PM Abe also shared his concerns about the growing tensions in the Middle East and expressed hope that Iran will keep its commitments under the deal and so did Chinese PM Wang Yi on 17 May in Beijing. Zarif explored ways to expand mutual cooperation with China, that opposed the decision made by the US to tighten sanctions on Tehran.