Trump Threats to Isolate Iran Put Trading Partners in Crosshairs
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose unprecedented economic warfare and isolation on Iran. This move could have significant implications for countries that trade with it.
China is one of Iran's main trading partners, accounting for over 80% of its shipped oil in recent years. The country bought an average of 1.38 million barrels per day of Iranian oil in 2025, making it the biggest buyer of Iranian oil. To avoid US sanctions, Chinese independent refiners have set up a ring-fenced system to process mainly Iranian oil.
The UAE has historically been one of Iran's most critical economic lifelines, providing 30% of its imports worth $21 billion in 2024. Trade between the two countries declined after the Iran war started, but they remain important trading partners. Turkey and Iraq also maintain significant economic ties with Iran, with bilateral trade standing at around $5-6 billion annually.
Other countries that trade with Iran include Oman, Pakistan, India, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Trade between these countries has varied over the years, with some experiencing a decline in recent times due to US sanctions and regional security risks.