Iran Defends China Ties Despite US Sanctions Threats

Iran has praised China for rejecting United States threats to impose secondary sanctions on countries maintaining trade relations with Tehran, with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declaring that the bilateral strategic partnership “needs no one’s permission.”

Writing on the social media platform X on Wednesday, Ghalibaf welcomed what he characterized as Beijing’s “principled statement” rejecting “illegal sanctions against Iran.” The remarks follow a formal pushback from the Chinese Foreign Ministry against Washington’s latest economic pressure campaign targeting entities connected to the Islamic Republic.

“The Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership is rooted in mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and a shared vision for a multipolar world,” Ghalibaf wrote, adding that the relationship requires authorization from no outside power.

Beijing Rejects US Secondary Sanctions Threat

The diplomatic exchange unfolded after the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday issued a strong rejection of Washington’s threats to penalize foreign firms and nations conducting business with Tehran. Beijing stated that it “firmly” opposes sanctions lacking any basis in international law or authorization from the United Nations Security Council.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, economic cooperation between Beijing and Tehran complies with international law and should remain free from foreign interference. The ministry warned that China is prepared to take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its rights and interests.

The friction underscores ongoing tensions over global trade enforcement. Washington announced a broad package of economic measures against Tehran on Monday, aimed at deepening Iran’s economic isolation.

Treasury Department Targets Dozens of Entities

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the latest round of economic penalties on Monday, targeting nearly 60 individuals, entities, and vessels. The measure includes explicit warnings to international companies and foreign governments that maintaining financial ties with Tehran could trigger US penalties.

While the Treasury Department’s actions encompassed specific companies operating within mainland China and Hong Kong, the restrictions stopped short of sanctioning major Chinese financial institutions. Beijing has been the biggest buyer of Iranian oil for years, though shipment volumes have experienced severe reductions since Washington reinstated its blockade of Iranian ports in mid-July.

The economic escalation arrives approximately six months after the outbreak of war between the US, Israel, and Iran in late February. While large-scale fighting have receded following temporary agreements, diplomatic efforts to secure a permanent settlement remain stalled, leaving Washington to rely heavily on expanded financial pressure.

Tehran has formally denounced the broadened restrictions as a direct breach of international law. Iranian officials argue that Washington’s attempts to coerce third-party nations into severing commercial ties constitute an inadmissible infringement on national sovereignty.