Washington has imposed secondary sanctions on Iran-linked entities across sectors including technology, gold, shipping, aviation and digital assets
The sanctions could test ties with China, which buys most of Iran’s crude exports and provides Tehran with infrastructure and dual-use technology
Iran-China oil trade uses yuan and alternative financial networks, while shadow fleets and independent refineries help keep sanctioned oil moving
After earlier US sanctions on Chinese refineries, Beijing invoked its anti-foreign sanctions law and rejected compliance with Washington’s measures
The latest sanctions may squeeze Iran, but could also push China from quietly evading US restrictions towards more overt state-backed resistance
With Trump and Xi due to meet soon, Washington must weigh sanctions pressure against the need to negotiate on trade, tariffs and critical minerals