U.S. and Israeli officials said that during a meeting at the White House, Trump and Netanyahu aligned on a strategy to reduce Iran’s oil exports to its largest customer, China. The plan is part of a broader campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s economy and limiting its influence in the region.
According to a Reuters report, Trump and Netanyahu agreed that the U.S. would work “full force with maximum pressure” against Iran, with a focus on curbing oil sales. China currently buys more than 80% of Iranian crude, making it a central target of the effort.
The current understanding does not include a formal announcement of new tariffs tied directly to this meeting, but a recent executive order signed by Trump authorizes U.S. officials to recommend up to 25% tariffs on any country that does business with Iran. That measure is intended to discourage third-party trade with Iran.
Beijing responded through its foreign ministry by defending its trade with Iran, saying cooperation conducted within international law should be respected.
Officials also noted that the discussion on economic pressure is happening alongside ongoing indirect diplomatic talks between U.S. and Iranian representatives aimed at reviving negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
The “maximum pressure” description refers to a suite of sanctions and trade measures that the Trump administration has been applying to Iran’s economy since early in his current presidency. This includes earlier sanctions on Iranian oil networks and financial systems.