China Defends Iran Trade Amid US Oil Pressure
teleSUR, February 16, 2026 —
Beijing rejects US efforts to curb Iranian oil exports as Washington and Israel push economic pressure ahead of Geneva talks.
China on Sunday defended its “legitimate” economic cooperation with Iran and urged the United States and Israel to respect it, following reports that Washington is seeking to restrict Iranian oil exports to China as part of renewed pressure on Tehran.
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In a statement issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing criticized a report by Axios claiming that US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed that Washington would work to reduce Iran’s crude oil exports to China.
“The normal cooperation between countries, carried out within the framework of international law, is reasonable and legitimate, and should be respected and protected,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
According to two US officials cited by Axios, Trump and Netanyahu reached this understanding during a Wednesday meeting at the White House, where they also agreed on the need to intensify Washington’s “maximum pressure” on Tehran, particularly regarding oil sales to China.
Axios reported on Saturday that more than 80 percent of Iran’s oil exports are destined for China. The outlet said that any reduction in Chinese purchases would significantly increase economic pressure on the Islamic Republic.
The report added that Trump, under an executive order signed 10 days ago, could impose 25 percent tariffs on China over its trade with Iran. According to Axios, the ultimate objective of these measures is to push Tehran into concessions over its nuclear program, as both sides prepare for a second round of indirect negotiations scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva.
China, Iran’s largest trading partner and main oil buyer, has repeatedly challenged Washington’s approach and reaffirmed its intention to protect its right to cooperate with Tehran. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in January: “We have always believed that there are no winners in a tariff war, and China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
Iran has meanwhile said it supports diplomacy to resolve the nuclear issue but will not yield to what it describes as excessive US demands. Tehran stressed that the new round of talks does not cover non-nuclear issues, including Iran’s missile program or its regional influence.
“There is also no discussion at all about stopping or abandoning uranium enrichment,” said Ebrahim Rezai, spokesperson for Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, on Sunday.
Iranian officials have stated that Tehran’s main demand is the effective and verifiable lifting of economic sanctions imposed on the country, adding that an agreement remains possible if the United States acts seriously.
As Washington seeks to tighten economic pressure through oil restrictions, Beijing has reiterated its commitment to defending its trade ties with Tehran, setting the stage for continued diplomatic tensions ahead of the Geneva talks.