Abstract: Sino-Iranian energy cooperation is the important base for China to carry out its energy and resource strategy.In the 21st century，the cooperation between the two countries in energy resources has made great progress，but the risks are getting increasingly greater at the same time.This paper studies the existing and potential political risks of Sino-Iranian petroleum cooperation：intensifying Iran nuclear crisis，US and European sanctions，diplomatic boycott，turbulence in the Middle East，world powers′ contending for the control of resources and so on.In the long run，Iran′s domestic law and policy，its religious culture and nationalism are also potential risks for petroleum cooperation between the two countries.

Key words: China, Iran, petroleum cooperation, political risks, situation in the Middle East