Trump’s Iran Sanctions Plan Hits a Wall: China Holds the Key

Beijing — When US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled a new policy called “Operation Economic Outcast,” he threatened tough sanctions on any country that continues doing business with Iran. But he did not name the one nation that could decide whether the plan works or fails: China. China is the world’s second-largest economy and has long served as a critical economic lifeline for Tehran. Chinese buyers have consistently purchased Iranian oil and goods, providing much-needed revenue for the Iranian government. Without China’s cooperation, the US strategy faces serious obstacles. Analysts note that Beijing has little incentive to abandon its economic ties with Iran, especially given its own tensions with Washington over trade and technology. The success of the new sanctions may therefore depend on whether President Donald Trump can persuade Chinese leader Xi Jinping to change course. There is little public sign that such a shift is likely, and experts question whether the US has enough leverage to force Beijing’s hand. For now, the “economic outcast” plan remains a bold statement on paper. On the ground, its real test will come in China’s response.