Washington, D.C.: The United States and Israel have agreed to tighten restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme by moving to curb Tehran’s oil trade with China, a key source of revenue for the Islamic Republic. The decision was reached during talks at the White House between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a renewed “Maximum Pressure” strategy against Iran.
Targeting China’s Role in Iran’s Oil Exports
China currently accounts for more than 80 percent of Iran’s seaborne crude oil exports. According to 2025 estimates, Iran supplies an average of 1.38 million barrels per day to China. Despite existing U.S. sanctions, much of this trade reportedly continues through intermediary routes, including via Malaysia and Indonesia.
Washington believes that disrupting Iran’s principal revenue stream could force Tehran to make concessions in ongoing nuclear negotiations. Oil exports remain central to Iran’s economy, and restricting access to the Chinese market is viewed as a critical leverage point.
New Executive Order Expands Sanctions Authority
President Trump has signed a new executive order granting expanded authority to penalise countries engaged in trade with Iran. Under the directive, the United States may impose import tariffs of up to 25 percent on goods originating from nations that maintain commercial ties with Tehran.
Such measures could have significant economic implications for China, given the scale of its energy imports from Iran.
Military Posturing Alongside Diplomacy
In parallel with diplomatic manoeuvres, Washington has reinforced its military posture in the region. President Trump confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has been redeployed from the Caribbean to the Middle East, signalling heightened preparedness.
Meanwhile, a second round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran is scheduled for next week under Swiss mediation. President Trump cautioned that failure to reach an agreement could result in what he described as a “traumatic” outcome for Iran.
Iran’s Position and Nuclear Concerns
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes. However, Tehran has enriched uranium to levels of up to 60 percent—technically only a short step away from weapons-grade material.
While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated willingness to allow inspections, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) currently do not have full access to Iran’s nuclear stockpiles.
With geopolitical tensions escalating, the coming weeks are expected to be pivotal in determining whether diplomatic efforts can yield a breakthrough or whether pressure tactics will intensify further.
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