Trump's Iran sanctions strategy hinges on China pressure

The Trump administration has shifted to threatening harsh economic sanctions against Iran after military strikes and negotiations failed, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling them the "toughest sanctions in history" and an "economic D-Day." However, enforcing these sanctions requires targeting China, Iran's top trading partner, which buys up to 90% of Iranian oil. The administration has avoided naming specific countries or imposing secondary sanctions on Chinese banks, instead relying on "quiet diplomacy" and giving others time to "remedy bad behavior." Trump has a record of treading gently around China, including backing off his trade war in October, ignoring federal law to save TikTok, and making concessions during his May visit to China. Analysts suggest the administration may avoid tough action ahead of Xi Jinping's White House visit next month.