US intensifies economic pressure on Iran, new sanctions to target China

The United States is ramping up its economic sanctions against Iran, with new measures expected to target not only Tehran but also countries and entities that trade with Iran, including China. Fadi Hilani, Director of the Middle East Program at the National Council in Washington, stated that the US is applying pressure in the most stringent manner possible.

In a conversation with Al Arabiya FM, Hilani disclosed that the sanctions will encompass a range of financial restrictions on entities dealing with Iran, which the Treasury Department will implement on Monday. He described these measures as unprecedented. Hilani also mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the US next week, but the current administration in Washington is concentrating on imposing additional costs on China if it opts to import oil from Iran.

The Middle East Program Director emphasized that the US strategy towards China is cautious, as it aims to avoid disrupting the anticipated visit of the Chinese president to meet US President Donald Trump.