Trump's Iran Sanctions Plan Faces China Roadblock

Washington is preparing an "Economic D-Day" sanctions campaign against Iran targeting its oil ecosystem, including tankers, ports, and Chinese refineries. The UAE has suspended trade with Tehran, but China remains Iran's largest trading partner. Chinese buyers account for roughly 90% of Iran's crude oil exports. Beijing could continue purchases through discounts and alternative shipping and financial channels less exposed to US sanctions, having rejected sanctions and called for diplomacy. This forces a difficult choice: tolerate Chinese purchases, weakening sanctions credibility, or sanction Chinese companies, opening another economic front. China's role in keeping Iran's oil economy alive poses the main threat to the strategy.