In a dramatic policy reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that China can now continue purchasing oil from Iran—just hours after brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The move signals a significant departure from Washington’s long-standing “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at crippling Tehran’s oil-dependent economy.
A Strategic Pivot After Ceasefire
Trump’s declaration came via a post on Truth Social, where he wrote, “China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran. Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the U.S., also. It was my Great Honor to make this happen!” The announcement followed a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran after a 12-day conflict.
From Sanctions to Concessions
The shift is particularly striking given Trump’s earlier stance. As recently as last month, his administration had warned that any purchase of Iranian oil would trigger secondary sanctions. The new stance appears to be a calculated diplomatic gesture—possibly to reward China for its restraint during the Middle East crisis and to encourage increased imports of U.S. oil.
Market and Diplomatic Reactions
Oil markets responded swiftly, with prices dropping nearly 5% as fears of supply disruption eased. However, the announcement reportedly caught U.S. Treasury and State Department officials off guard, raising questions about the future of existing sanctions and enforcement mechanisms.
Geopolitical Implications
Analysts suggest the move could reshape global energy dynamics and U.S.-China relations. While China remains Iran’s top oil buyer—accounting for over 90% of its exports—the U.S. may be leveraging this concession to gain trade advantages and stabilize the region.
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