US Widens Iran Sanctions, China Warns of Retaliation
The United States has widened sanctions against Iran. The new sanctions target 60 people, groups and ships.
The US also threatened to isolate countries that keep doing business with Iran. The sanctions pressure businesses in digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and sea trade.
Officials said the goal is to cut off money Iran needs. China warned it would protect its interests after the sanctions widened.
China said its trade with Iran follows international law. China said this trade should not be disrupted.
China warned it could retaliate over the sanctions. China said it would take all necessary steps if the US expands its crackdown on trade with Iran.
It is not clear if China has already started retaliating. Iran sells much of its oil to China.
This makes Iran an important trading partner for China. This raises the risk of a dispute between the US and China.
Key Terms 3
- sanctions Penalties that block trade or money dealings with a country.
- Tehran Capital city of Iran, often used to mean the country.
- Beijing Capital city of China, often used to mean the country.