China Caught in Middle as Trump Tightens Noose on Iran Oil Exports

President Donald Trump's economic campaign against Iran is putting pressure on China to cooperate. The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged China to work with Washington, highlighting that China buys over 80% of Iran's shipped oil.

China has rejected sanctions as a solution and emphasized the need for negotiations instead of additional economic pressure. Beijing wants to preserve its relationship with Tehran while maintaining stability throughout the Gulf, where several of its major energy suppliers are located.

The Trump administration is attempting to increase the economic cost of Iran continuing its current policies, while China is publicly arguing for diplomacy and opposing escalating economic pressure.