Iran vows to resist new US sanctions as China rejects pressure
TEHRAN: Iran has vowed to strengthen its economy and find ways to withstand what it calls unjustified US sanctions, as Washington prepares to announce a new package of economic measures against Tehran.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian and Iraqi business representatives in Baghdad on Friday.
Ghalibaf said economic strength and national security were closely connected. He accused the United States and Israel of using economic and political pressure after failing to achieve their objectives through direct military confrontation.
He called for stronger economic cooperation between Iran and Iraq. He also suggested that the two neighbours increase trade using their national currencies to reduce dependence on the US dollar.
Ghalibaf said Iran and Iraq should focus on economic development and shared prosperity despite pressure from Western countries.
The comments came a day after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans for what he described as the toughest sanctions ever imposed on Iran.
Bessent said further details of the measures would be released on Monday. He suggested that maximum economic pressure could reduce the need for another major military operation against Iran.
US President Donald Trump has also warned countries and businesses against providing financial or economic support to Tehran.
Trump described the planned campaign as an unprecedented effort of economic warfare and isolation. He warned that countries allowing financial institutions, companies, airports or government bodies to provide assistance to Iran could face severe economic consequences.
Iran has strongly rejected the US pressure. Its Foreign Ministry described the latest sanctions as economic terrorism and said they would not weaken Iran’s determination to protect its independence and sovereignty.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also accused Washington of trying to divert attention from economic problems inside the United States.
China rejects sanctions strategy
China has opposed Washington’s approach and said sanctions and economic pressure would not solve the conflict.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian called on all sides to adopt responsible measures and seek a political and diplomatic solution.
China has significant economic ties with Iran and remains a major buyer of Iranian oil. Data from energy analytics firm Kpler indicated that China accounted for more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil purchases in 2025.
The issue could further complicate US-China relations. Washington has warned against economic cooperation with Tehran, while China has repeatedly criticised unilateral sanctions.
Bessent said the United States was seeking cooperation from its allies and other countries. He argued that China had a strong interest in maintaining stability in the Gulf because a significant portion of its energy supplies comes from the region.
The latest sanctions threat comes as the wider Middle East conflict continues to disrupt energy markets and regional trade.
Oil prices rose after Trump announced plans for stronger economic measures against Iran. The conflict has affected oil supplies and raised concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway handles a significant share of global oil trade and has become a major point of tension during the conflict.
The United States and Iran have announced ceasefire agreements on two occasions in recent months, but both arrangements have broken down.
Iran now faces growing economic pressure from Washington while attempting to maintain trade and regional partnerships.
