An Iranian envoy on Wednesday said he had received Chinese support in Tehran's diplomatic campaign to block Washington from having the dispute over Iran's nuclear program referred to the UN Security Council.
The release of three United Nations workers who had been held hostage for more than three weeks took place early Tuesday in what appeared to be an orchestrated handover.

Chinese President Hu Jintao left in Havana for home Tuesday after concluding his two-day state visit to Cuba. During his visit, Hu, who arrived in Havana on Monday, held talks with Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

The White House is to consider whether defence chiefs should take over CIA covert paramilitary operations.