China joined Russia on Thursday in diplomatic efforts to ease a crisis over Iran’s nuclear work before a U.N. atomic watchdog meeting and avert any sanctions. Moscow and Beijing, each with heavy trade and investment stakes in Iran, do not want an International Atomic Energy Agency board meeting on March 6 to precipitate moves in the U.N. Security Council for sanctions against Tehran. The board will hear a crucial IAEA report dealing with suspicions Iran is secretly seeking atom bombs. The report is likely to influence any future council action. Russia and China are keen to coax Iran into a compromise before then. Full Story