China rejects Trump’s threat of an “economic D-Day” against Iran
China said sanctions on Iran do not serve any party’s interests, rejecting President Trump’s warning of severe economic measures, while the United States continues to press for tougher pressure on Tehran.
President Donald Trump warned of an “economic D-Day” against Iran, promising “tremendous economic consequences” for countries that keep trading with Tehran. In response, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said sanctions and pressure tactics are not a solution and urged all parties to pursue negotiation and dialogue.
The United States has recently imposed new sanctions on Hezbollah and designated the group as an Iranian proxy, while also threatening additional measures aimed at Iranian oil exports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on Beijing to align with the U.S. program, but China has maintained that sanctions “do not fit the interest of any party.”
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the country is prepared to “sacrifice our wealth” to defend its dignity and called for plans to overcome “unjust sanctions.” The Iranian foreign ministry condemned the U.S. threat as unlawful and warned that those who implement the levies would be liable for prosecution.
Analysts noted that China remains Iran’s largest trading partner, accounting for the majority of its oil and non-oil exports, and has so far ignored U.S. restrictions on Chinese refineries. With President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to the United States, Beijing appears reluctant to join a U.S.-led economic campaign against Tehran.