The United States has issued a sweeping warning targeting China’s role in purchasing Iranian oil, signaling a sharp escalation in enforcement measures.
According to reports, the US Navy is now prepared to seize or sink Chinese tankers transporting Iranian oil or petrochemical products, as part of efforts to enforce restrictions on Tehran.
At the same time, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that Washington has warned countries and financial institutions that any involvement in Iranian oil transactions could trigger secondary sanctions. Chinese banks, in particular, have been told they may face serious consequences if they process payments linked to Iranian oil sales.
This marks a full reversal of previous US policies that had eased pressure on Iran’s oil exports to China. The shift reflects a much more aggressive stance aimed at cutting off a key financial lifeline for the Iranian regime.