Trump's Iran Sanctions Backfire as China Refuses to Negotiate

The United States announced new sanctions against Iran on Monday, August 24, targeting gold, technology, and maritime transport, escalating its economic pressure campaign against Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that any economic relationship with Iran would expose those responsible to the full power of the US. Political scientist Nicole Bacharan notes that China, Iran's largest oil buyer, remains the key factor, as it uses yuan-based trade systems that bypass US dollar sanctions. Over 1,000 US sanctions are currently applied to Iran. Bacharan argues President Trump is now trapped, as his desire to improve relations with China conflicts with Beijing's refusal to negotiate, complicating his strategy to fully isolate Iran economically.