China's role complicates Trump's new Iran sanctions push

The Trump administration's new economic pressure campaign against Iran faces a major obstacle in China, Iran's largest trading partner and primary oil buyer, raising questions about the strategy's effectiveness. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced "Operation Economic Outcast" on Monday, but provided no specifics on targeting China. This caution appears deliberate, as President Trump prepares to host Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month to maintain a fragile trade truce, with analysts noting both sides have much at stake. China receives over 80% of Iranian oil shipments, often through indirect channels like ship-to-ship transfers that obscure origin. Beijing stated its cooperation with Iran falls within international law and opposes "illegal unilateral sanctions," while experts predict China will do the minimum to comply without confronting the U.S.