China opposes US sanctions and pressure on Iran

China has called for dialogue between the United States and Iran, stating that US-led “sanctions and pressure” will not resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian asserted that unilateral sanctions lacking a basis in international law or a UN Security Council mandate are opposed by Beijing.

The diplomatic friction follows announcements from the Trump administration regarding an “unprecedented” level of economic warfare against Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the upcoming measures as “the toughest sanctions ever imposed on Iran,” aiming to force the country to end its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers. Bessent suggested that these economic measures could reduce the necessity for further military operations, though he also called on Beijing to “get with the programme” regarding the isolation of the Iranian economy.