Trump: China Can Keep Buying Oil from Iran, But Should Also Buy More from U.S.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that China is free to continue purchasing oil from Iran following the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—and added that he hopes Beijing will also increase its oil imports from the United States.

“China can now continue to purchase oil from Iran. Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the U.S., also,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

His comments came shortly after announcing a ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel, following weekend bombings of three Iranian nuclear sites by U.S. forces. Trump has since criticized both nations for initial violations of the newly brokered truce.

During his second term, which began in January, Trump reinstated his “maximum pressure” policy on Iran, targeting its nuclear ambitions and alleged support for militant groups in the Middle East. As part of that strategy, his administration imposed fresh sanctions, including penalties on Chinese “teapot” refineries and port operators that continued buying Iranian oil.

Lifting those sanctions entirely would require coordinated action by the U.S. Treasury, State Department, and Congress. However, the administration could opt not to enforce the existing restrictions—effectively allowing Iranian oil exports to increase and potentially easing global oil supply concerns.

China, Iran’s top oil customer, has long criticized what it calls Washington’s “abuse of illegal unilateral sanctions.” The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to media inquiries following Trump’s remarks.

Energy analysts say a surge in Iranian oil sales to China or other nations could irritate Saudi Arabia—a key U.S. ally and the world’s leading oil exporter—by increasing competition and disrupting OPEC’s price management efforts.

The U.S. State Department declined to comment, referring inquiries to the White House, which has not yet issued a formal response.