Trump's Iran pressure campaign faces China obstacle

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. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the initiative without detailing how it would target China. Beijing receives over 80% of Iranian oil shipments, often through indirect channels, and has stated its cooperation with Iran should not be disrupted. Analysts say China will likely do the minimum to comply while avoiding open confrontation with the U.S. The upcoming summit between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping complicates the situation, as both nations seek to avoid escalation. The U.S. has so far refrained from sanctioning major Chinese businesses, and analysts doubt Washington will act tough on Beijing before the meeting.