China Could Limit Trump Administration’s Pressure Campaign on Iran, Lipsky Says

China’s continued economic engagement and energy purchases from Iran could constrain the effectiveness of a revived U.S. “maximum pressure” sanctions strategy. China remains the primary buyer of Iranian crude oil, utilizing independent refineries and alternative payment systems to circumvent traditional financial restrictions. Consequently, fully curtailing Iran’s oil revenue would require the United States to penalize Chinese entities, presenting significant diplomatic and economic challenges for Washington’s broader bilateral relations with Beijing.

• China remains the dominant purchaser of Iranian crude oil, providing vital revenue to Tehran despite ongoing U.S. restrictions.
• Iranian oil shipments are predominantly processed by independent Chinese refineries operating outside Western financial channels.
• Restricting Iranian energy exports effectively would require the U.S. to impose secondary sanctions on Chinese firms and shipping networks.
• Targeting Chinese institutions involved in the Iranian oil trade risks escalating broader economic and trade friction between Washington and Beijing.

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