U.S. Warns China Over Iranian Oil as Sanctions Fight Intensifies
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The United States urged China to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, accusing China of funding global terrorism through its substantial purchases of Iranian oil.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that China buys 90% of Iran’s energy exports, thereby supporting Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism.
- The U.S. has intensified sanctions targeting Chinese "teapot" refineries and financial institutions involved in facilitating Iranian oil sales, including sanctions on Hengli Petrochemical Refinery.
- These actions come ahead of President Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, highlighting rising tensions over Iran despite easing trade disputes between the U.S. and China.
- The U.S. is also working to increase global oil supplies to counteract soaring gasoline prices, which reached an average of $4.45 per gallon.
