Washington Broadens Its Sanctions Campaign
The United States announced new sanctions against 60 entities, individuals and vessels linked to Iran and its trading partners. The targets include parties in mainland China and Hong Kong. Washington also demanded immediate action from countries that maintain economic or commercial ties with Tehran.
These measures form part of the Trump administration’s effort to increase economic pressure on Iran. They follow military strikes and diplomatic negotiations that failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or end the six-month conflict.
Beijing Rejects Maximum Pressure
China condemned the sanctions and promised to take all necessary measures to protect its interests. Its foreign ministry maintained that Beijing’s cooperation with Tehran follows international law and should continue without disruption.
According to ministry spokesman Lin Jian, economic wars and maximum pressure do not provide solutions. His statement presented the sanctions as an improper challenge to China’s lawful relations with Iran.
Dollar Access Becomes Washington’s Main Warning
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the new actions as an expansion of secondary sanctions across several jurisdictions. He warned that any entity facilitating money laundering for Iran would lose access to the US dollar system.
Overall, the announcement combines direct penalties with a broader warning to Iran’s international partners. Meanwhile, China’s response shows that Beijing intends to defend its cooperation with Tehran despite Washington’s growing financial pressure.
References
Seth, N., & Seth, N. (2026, 25 agosto). China vows to safeguard interests after ‘Economic D-Day’ sanctions over Iran ties. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/us/diplomacy/article/3365111/us-sanctions-chinese-entities-issues-global-warning-economic-d-day-against-iran?share=VKOecRjKn8HxS2kP%2BwrIU0Zs31sx7EC0K1EtXg4lzUeLFiF99yBpyeCpUin3nPjLv1DXoD%2FHIc2w0vZRJbLCMmFqENAkMgy4al5P00krtok%3D&utm_campaign=social_share