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ConflictsMiddle East

Can the US 'asphyxiate' Iran without taking on China?

Anja Kueppers-McKinnon
August 25, 2026

China is a major buyer of Iranian oil. Washington is promising much tougher sanctions, but going after the Chinese financial institutions that enable that trade risks a much bigger confrontation with Beijing.

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The administration of US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new round of sanctions aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran, targeting more than 60 entities, individuals and vessels linked to supply chains and financial networks.

But experts say the strategy faces a major challenge: China, which buys most of Iran’s exported oil.