China complicates Trump's new Iran sanctions push

The US has launched a new economic pressure campaign against Iran, but its effectiveness is challenged by China, Iran's largest trading partner and top oil buyer. Washington must balance this with maintaining a fragile trade truce ahead of a planned Trump-Xi summit. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced "Operation Economic Outcast" on Monday, sanctioning nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, including some in mainland China and Hong Kong. However, analysts note the announcement avoided specifics on targeting China, as both nations seek to avoid disrupting the upcoming summit. China has responded cautiously, saying it will safeguard its interests while opposing "illegal unilateral sanctions." Beijing receives over 80 percent of Iranian oil shipments, often through indirect channels. Analysts expect China to make minimal concessions, such as modestly reducing oil imports, without severing ties with Iran.