Trump Considering Lifting Sanctions on Chinese Firms Buying Iranian Oil

Trump Says "Discussed With President Xi... Will Decide in a Few Days"

U.S. President Donald Trump on May 15 (local time) mentioned the possibility of easing sanctions on Chinese companies importing Iranian crude oil. As he revealed that the issue was discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the recent U.S.-China summit, attention is focused on whether there will be a shift in the U.S. policy stance toward Iran sanctions.

President Trump, speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One on his return from a state visit to China, said, "I discussed that issue (sanctions relief) with Chinese President Xi Jinping," and added, "A decision will be made in the coming days."

President Trump answering reporters' questions aboard Air Force One. Photo by Reuters/Yonhap News

When asked whether President Xi had pledged to put pressure on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump replied, "I don't ask for any favors. If you ask for a favor, you have to return a favor in exchange."

He asserted that President Xi would already want to see the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that while China acquires a significant portion of its oil from the Gulf, the United States "gets absolutely nothing. We don't need it (Gulf oil) at all."

Previously, on May 11, the U.S. Treasury Department designated three individuals and nine companies that facilitated Iran's crude oil exports to China as targets for sanctions. Of these sanctioned companies, four are based in Hong Kong.

Earlier, on May 1, the Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals identified as import channels for Iranian petroleum products. On May 8, it placed 10 Chinese and Hong Kong companies and individuals involved in supporting Iran's weapons and drone production on the sanctions list.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.