China Rejects US 'Crushing' Iran Sanctions: 'Against International Law'

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Thursday, firmly rejected U.S. efforts to isolate Iran economically, stating that "sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue." Beijing opposed what it termed "illegal unilateral sanctions" that lack a basis in international law or authorization from the UN Security Council.

Instead, China called on all parties to "take responsible measures" and resolve the Middle East conflict through "political and diplomatic means."

"China always believes military actions, sanctioning, pressuring do not help solve the problem; it only builds up the tensions in the current situation," Lin said. "China opposes any illegal, unilateral sanctions without authorization of the UN Security Council... We urge the relevant party to solve the current dispute through negotiations and dialogue."

This rebuke came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of an "economic D-Day" and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s vow to impose the "toughest sanctions in history" to "collapse" the Iranian regime.

The Treasury secretary is explicitly targeting third-party nations buying Iranian oil or enabling capital flows—aiming much of this pressure directly at China, Iran's largest trade partner. He warned that any state extending a "lifeline" to Tehran would feel the "full force of the U.S. Treasury."

Bessent urged China to "get with the program," arguing that Beijing’s reliance on Gulf energy supplies would be served by joining the campaign.

However, Beijing maintained that such coercive tactics are ineffective and contrary to the interests of all parties involved.

Trump has also touted U.S. Central Command's (CENTCOM) naval blockade as "extremely effective" at cutting off Iranian shipping, while claiming the Strait of Hormuz remains "open and operating" under U.S. oversight. Tehran countered that it maintains operational control over the waterway, imposing transit fees and alternative routes while characterizing Washington's blockade as illegal "economic terrorism."

While the U.S. claims control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian officials have called the blockade and sanctions "economic terrorism" and vowed that the Strait will remain closed until the U.S. meets Iran's conditions.

"14 years ago: 'Most crippling sanctions in history.' Failed. 8 years ago: 'Maximum pressure.' Failed. 5 months ago: 'Unconditional surrender.' Failed. Today: Most crushing economic operation ever. Bound to fail. We have seen this movie before. Same bull. Different bullies," Iran Foreign Minister

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran is in its sixth month and peace talks have stalled, with Washington shifting from military strikes to economic warfare after military objectives proved unrealistic.