24th August 2026 – (Beijing) China has urged a return to dialogue and a political settlement after the United States signalled possible secondary sanctions on countries trading with Iran. At a regular press briefing in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said sanctions and pressure do not solve problems and instead heighten tensions, undermine global economic development and jeopardise financial stability. Lin said all sides should exercise rationality and restraint, avoid steps that could inflame conflict and resume talks as early as possible. He added that China will follow developments closely and take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
The remarks came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington could impose the “single greatest financial offensive ever” against Iran, describing an “economic D‑Day” and cautioning that any nation maintaining financial ties with Tehran risked isolation. In an opinion piece and ahead of a planned news conference, Bessent wrote that the goal was to sever every economic lifeline sustaining Iran’s leadership until it “stands alone.” Media reports said Iran dismissed the comments, warning it would halt oil shipments from the region if hostilities continued and advising vessels not to transit the Strait of Hormuz without permission. One fifth of the world’s oil and gas typically passes through the strait, where flows have been severely disrupted since fighting flared at the end of February.
Bessent’s threat follows a series of earlier warnings and shifting deadlines from Washington over its confrontation with Iran. The United States has long maintained sanctions on Tehran, with restrictions intensified after the 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement that had eased penalties in exchange for curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme. Subsequent efforts to revive the pact did not succeed, and additional measures targeting foreign banks and firms dealing with Iran were launched this April as part of a broader pressure campaign. China’s latest call places emphasis on de‑escalation and renewed negotiations rather than additional economic coercion, framing dialogue as the fastest route back to stability.