{
  "id": 3308750,
  "title": "China vows to defend interests as US expands Iran sanctions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/china-vows-to-defend-interests-as-us-expands-iran-sanctions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T16:58:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/news/china-vows-to-defend-interests-as-us-expands-iran-sanctions/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "China has pledged to safeguard its economic interests following the United States' decision to broaden sanctions on Iran and nations and businesses engaging in trade with Tehran. On August 25, 2026, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Lin Jian, remarked that Beijing vehemently opposed the \"unlawful unilateral sanctions\" and pledged to take any necessary measures to ensure its rights and interests were protected. Lin stressed that China's cooperation with Iran was carried out in accordance with international law and should not be impeded by external pressure. He stated during a regular press conference in response to inquiries about the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement of fresh sanctions aimed at further isolating Iran's economy and intensifying pressure on Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent introduced what Washington termed \"Operation Economic Outcast,\" describing the measures as \"the most significant financial offensive ever\" against Iran. He warned that banks, businesses, and countries continuing to financially support Tehran could face isolation from the US financial system. Bessent indicated that US President Donald Trump would reach out to world leaders with particular demands urging them to halt their economic dealings with Iran. When questioned about Chinese banks, he affirmed that \"nobody was beyond the reach of US sanctions.\" China holds significant sway over Iran due to being the nation's primary purchaser of Iranian oil, with an estimated 90% of Iran's oil exports going to China. This reliance presents a considerable obstacle to Washington's strategy. The latest US steps target nearly 60 entities, individuals, and vessels linked to aiding Iran in circumventing sanctions and continuing oil exports. Nevertheless, analysts have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the new constraints if China persists in purchasing Iranian energy. This dispute occurs at a delicate juncture, with Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping slated to meet next month. Washington might be mindful of not provoking further economic repercussions from Beijing, especially given China's dominance in processing rare earths and other critical minerals crucial for manufacturing numerous advanced technologies. China has previously restricted exports of rare earths during prior trade conflicts with Washington, heightening concerns that minerals could once again serve as a bargaining chip. Iran, for its part, has declared readiness for the expanded sanctions. Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh mentioned that Tehran had anticipated the measures and had formulated a two-year plan to address their repercussions. Iran is already grappling with stringent US sanctions, but Washington asserts that the new package is intended to impose additional restrictions on the financial networks and facilitators enabling Tehran to generate oil revenues and evade existing limitations. The sanctions follow a six-month-long Iran war that has disrupted global energy markets and contributed to higher oil prices. Iran has effectively halted exports via the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global oil shipments, while the US has also restricted maritime traffic through its naval blockade. Diplomatic attempts to resolve the conflict have thus far been unsuccessful, with a 60-day ceasefire formally expiring last week without achieving a comprehensive settlement. Bessent declared that the US was no longer merely managing the perceived Iranian threat but was endeavoring to \"end it.\" However, analysts remain doubtful that increased economic pressure alone will compel Tehran to alter its stance. The ramifications of the new measures could extend beyond China. India, Russia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Iraq all maintain diverse degrees of economic or strategic connections with Iran; yet, India and Russia have not yet publicly commented on Washington's latest announcement. Consequently, the broadened sanctions risk igniting a larger confrontation between Washington and several of Iran's key trading partners, with China likely to be at the heart of the controversy.",
  "summary": "China has vowed to protect its economic interests after the United States announced plans to widen sanctions against Iran and countries and businesses that continue trading with Tehran. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 that Beijing strongly opposed what it described as “illegal unilateral sanctions” and would take “all […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hill",
        "title": "China: New US sanctions on Iran 'will only further intensify tensions'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/china-new-us-sanctions-on-iran-will-only-further-intensify-tensions",
        "published": "2026-08-25T13:54:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "China says will safeguard its own interests as US expands Iran sanctions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/china-says-will-safeguard-its-own-interests-as-us-expands-iran",
        "published": "2026-08-25T14:43:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "China warns US of retaliation over expansion of Iran sanctions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/china-warns-us-of-retaliation-over-expansion-of-iran-sanctions",
        "published": "2026-08-25T15:06:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "CBS News",
        "title": "U.S. threatens to hit Iran's trade partners with secondary economic sanctions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/u-s-threatens-to-hit-irans-trade-partners-with-secondary-economic",
        "published": "2026-08-25T15:18:56.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "KahawaTungu",
        "title": "China hits out at ‘illegal’ new US sanctions on Iran and trading partners",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/china-hits-out-at-illegal-new-us-sanctions-on-iran-and-trading",
        "published": "2026-08-25T15:54:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Oil falls over 4% as investors shrug off US sanctions on Iran",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/oil-falls-over-4-as-investors-shrug-off-us-sanctions-on-iran",
        "published": "2026-08-25T16:37:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hellenic Shipping News",
        "title": "Iran says it is ‘fully prepared’ to counter widened US economic sanctions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/iran-says-it-is-fully-prepared-to-counter-widened-us-economic",
        "published": "2026-08-25T17:00:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}