China Denounces US Threat of Secondary Sanctions Over Iran Trade

The United States has launched a campaign to isolate Tehran by threatening severe secondary sanctions against any country or entity that maintains economic ties with Iran. Washington hopes these economic measures will achieve what military means have so far failed to accomplish. However, it remains unclear how far the Trump administration will go to confront China, Iran's primary trading partner. Beijing has hit out at the proposed sanctions, deeming them illegal and rejecting Washington's economic pressure. China purchases an estimated 80% of Iran's oil exports and has a history of defying US efforts to cut off revenue to the Tehran regime. In response to the US threats, China warned that it will take all necessary measures to defend its national interests and maintain its ties with its ally.