WASHINGTON, June 20 -- US President Donald Trump has said that China played an important role in developments concerning Iran, while also revealing plans to visit China again later this year.

Speaking at an event in the US state of Maryland, Trump said Beijing had been a significant factor in matters related to Iran. According to the US president, China purchases around half of Iran's oil exports, making it an influential stakeholder in regional developments.

"China played an important role in the Iran issue," Trump said, without elaborating on the specific nature of Beijing's involvement.

The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising relations between Tehran and Washington following recent agreements intended t...