Trump and Netanyahu Team Up to Cut Off Iran's Oil Lifeline

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly agreed at a White House meeting last week to work towards reducing Iran's oil exports to China.

The deal is part of the US effort to apply 'maximum pressure' against Iran, with a focus on cutting off its main revenue source: oil sales to China. According to Axios, which cited two US officials briefed on the issue, Trump and Netanyahu agreed to take action on Iranian oil exports to China.

China currently accounts for more than 80% of Iran's oil exports, making any reduction in this trade a significant blow to Tehran's economy. The US has been trying to revive diplomacy with Iran over its nuclear program, but the reported agreement between Trump and Netanyahu suggests that the country is also looking at economic pressure as an option.

China's foreign ministry responded to the report by saying that normal cooperation between countries is reasonable and legitimate, and should be respected and protected. The US has positioned a naval flotilla in the region, preparing for the possibility of sustained operations against Iran.