US Sanctions on Iran Prompt Chinese Threat of Retaliation

The United States Treasury, led by Secretary Scott Bessent, unveiled a sanctions package dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast.” It targets 60 individuals, entities and vessels alleged to be facilitating Iran’s oil trade and threatens secondary sanctions against any country or firm that continues such dealings. China’s foreign ministry, through spokesperson Lin Jian, warned it would take “all necessary measures” if Chinese companies were included, signaling a possible new front in the US-China rivalry.

New York PostThe GuardianMiddle East EyeChina Promises Retaliation Against US Sanctions on Iran Oil Trade

The sanctions follow six months of armed conflict between the United States and Iran, prompting Washington to shift toward intensified economic pressure to cut off revenue streams that sustain Tehran’s regime. China, the world’s largest buyer of Iranian crude, has opposed unilateral sanctions that lack United Nations Security Council authorization.

China Promises Retaliation Against US Sanctions on Iran Oil Trade

• Chinese sources estimate that China purchases roughly 80 % of Iran’s oil exports.

Middle East Eye

• Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to about five million barrels per day, down from more than 20 million barrels per day before the conflict.

The Guardian

• Pete Hegseth, U.S. official, emphasized the need to protect the dollar system.

The Guardian

• Wang Dong, a scholar at Peking University, said Beijing would defend its economic interests if Chinese entities were targeted while seeking to keep Gulf energy supplies stable.

Middle East Eye

Analysts argue the sanctions may not achieve rapid results. Sina Toossi warned that Washington’s “zero-sum approach” is being met by Tehran with its own counter-measures. Andrew Miller contended that the sanctions are unlikely to produce a quick settlement favorable to the United States.

The Guardian

Sources differ on the share of Iranian oil purchased by China, citing 80 % versus about 90 %. Independent verification of the exact volume of sanctioned shipments remains limited, and the precise list of Chinese firms that could face secondary sanctions has not been disclosed.

Middle East Eye

• “After nearly six months without a military or diplomatic victory, Washington appears to be trying to accomplish through intensified economic strangulation what military force has so far failed to achieve. But Tehran is answering that zero-sum approach with one of its own.” — Sina Toossi

The Guardian

• “The announcement of new economic sanctions on Iran and those countries trading with it signals what is plain to all: this war has brought the United States no closer to eliminating Iran’s nuclear programme or crippling the Iranian regime. But while sanctions can be effective, it is highly unlikely they will produce a quick settlement favourable to the United States.” — Andrew Miller

The Guardian

President Donald Trump is slated to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington next month, a summit that could address the looming secondary-sanctions dispute and shape whether further economic measures are imposed on Chinese entities involved in the Iranian oil trade.

Middle East Eye