Trump has begun discussing a possible easing of sanctions against Chinese buyers of Iranian oil
Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. may reconsider sanctions against Chinese companies that purchase Iranian oil, amid instability in the global oil market. No decision has been made yet, but the matter is being discussed at the highest levels, according to CNN.
U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he is considering easing sanctions against Chinese companies that purchase Iranian oil. He links this issue to the situation in global energy markets and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Iran remains one of the world’s key oil exporters; in 2025, the country supplied about 1.69 million barrels per day. According to the U.S. administration, approximately 90% of these exports ultimately end up in China, despite the sanctions in place.
Trump emphasized that a decision has not yet been made, but it could be made in the near future. “I will make a decision within the next few days. We did discuss this,” he told reporters, commenting on the possible lifting of restrictions.
Trump was also asked whether he had discussed with Xi Jinping putting pressure on Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. He replied that he is not asking for any favors so as not to create obligations in return. “I’m not asking for any favors, because when you ask for a favor, you have to provide a favor in return,” Trump noted.
At the same time, he added that, in his opinion, China is interested in the stability of energy supplies, since the country receives a significant portion of its oil from the Persian Gulf region.
Iran, which is subject to strict sanctions, is forced to use a so-called “shadow fleet”—obsolete tankers that transport oil via covert routes. Officially, China does not confirm imports of Iranian oil and often does not disclose its origin.
Against this backdrop, potential changes in U.S. sanctions policy could significantly impact both the global oil market and Washington’s relations with Beijing and Tehran.
Iranian authorities have begun granting permission to select Chinese vessels to pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz has once again come to a near standstill
Additionally, the U.S. military struck the vessel Touska, which was attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under the Iranian flag despite the blockade.
Recall that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not consider the war with Iran to be over.
Official Tehran refused to participate in the second round of peace talks with the United States, which were to take place in Islamabad.
Iran rejected Trump’s claims regarding the transfer of uranium to the U.S. and accused him of manipulation.
