Trump Threatens Iran Sanctions, Impacting Key Trading Partners

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose economic sanctions and isolation on Iran. This move could have significant implications for countries that trade with Iran, including its main trading partners.

China is one of Iran's biggest buyers of oil, purchasing an average of 1.38 million barrels per day in 2025. China has created a ring-fenced system to process Iranian oil, minimizing US exposure. However, the US Treasury has already imposed sanctions on Chinese independent refineries for buying billions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is another key trading partner, with trade between the two countries totaling over $21 billion in 2024. The UAE has suspended all financial and economic transactions with Iran following a recent military escalation by Tehran.